Laparoscopic ‘bikini mesh’ repair of bilateral inguinal hernia

Abstract

Laparoscopic hernia repair using a single piece of mesh was performed in 150 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia. The median operating time was 43 (range 30–90) min with a median hospital stay of 1 (range 1–10) days. In all, 138 patients were discharged within 24 h of operation. The median time for return to normal activity was 7 (range 2–60) days and that for return to work 14 (range 2–60) days. One patient required surgery for a port‐site hernia and another for a Veress needle injury to the small bowel. Additional complications included bruising in nine patients, cord seromas in seven and urinary retention in two. There have been no recurrences after a median follow‐up of 18 (range 1–38) months. The cost benefits of a short hospital stay and rapid return to work afforded by laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair warrant further evaluation. Copyright © 1995 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd.