Outcome of inguinal hernia repair after previous radical prostatectomy: a registry-based analysis with 12,465 patients

Hernia. 2022 Aug;26(4):1143-1152. doi: 10.1007/s10029-022-02635-5. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Abstract

Introduction: Following radical prostatectomy, the rate of inguinal hernias is fourfold higher compared to controls. Laparo-endoscopic repair after previous radical prostatectomy is considered complex. Therefore, the guidelines recommend open Lichtenstein repair. To date, there are limited data on inguinal hernia repair after prior prostatectomy.

Methods: In a retrospective analysis from the Herniamed Registry, the outcomes of 255,182 primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repairs were compared with those of 12,465 patients with previous radical prostatectomy in relation to the surgical technique. Furthermore, the outcomes of laparo-endoscopic versus open Lichtenstein repair techniques in the 12,465 patients after previous radical prostatectomy were directly compared.

Results: Comparison of the perioperative complication rates for primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair with and without previous radical prostatectomy demonstrated for the laparo-endoscopic techniques significantly higher intraoperative complications (2.1% vs 0.9%; p < 0.001), postoperative complications (3.2% vs 1.9%; p < 0.001) and complication-related reoperations (1.1% vs 0.7%; p = 0.0442) to the disadvantage of previous prostatectomy. No significant differences were identified for Lichtenstein repair. Direct comparison of the laparo-endoscopic with the open Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair after previous radical prostatectomy revealed significantly more intraoperative complications for TEP and TAPP (2.1% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), but more postoperative complications (4.8% vs 3.2%; p < 0.001) and complication-related reoperations (1.8% vs 1.1%; p = 0.003) for open Lichtenstein repair.

Conclusion: Since there are no clear advantages for the laparo-endoscopic vs the open Lichtenstein technique in inguinal hernia repair after previous radical prostatectomy, the surgeon can opt for one or the other technique in accordance with their experience.

Keywords: Herniamed register; Inguinal hernia; Laparo-endoscopic; Lichtenstein; Prostatectomy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Hernia, Inguinal* / complications
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / surgery
  • Herniorrhaphy / adverse effects
  • Herniorrhaphy / methods
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / etiology
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects
  • Recurrence
  • Registries
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Mesh / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome