A comprehensive study on complications of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Background: Laparoscopic hernia repair has been in use for some time now and has been found to cause lesser postoperative pain and earlier recovery when compared with open methods of hernia repair although they are associated with higher costs and a steep learning curve. The various complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair needs to be studied and compared with open methods. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the intraoperative and postoperative complications of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and formulate methods to prevent them. Materials and methods: This is an observational study consisting of 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP, TAPP) in our institution from September 2014 to March 2016. Intra operative and postoperative complications were documented. The following factors were considered: Type of hernia, Type of hernia vs complications, Operation time, Operation time vs complications, Post-operative hospital stay. Results: The mean operative time was 66.8 min. There were no major complications. There were 4 minor complications namely – surgical emphysema, groin pain, shoulder pain, scrotal pain. Surgical emphysema (21 patients, 42%) depends upon operation time. Groin pain (11 patients – 22% all are indirect) depends upon type of hernia mainly in indirect type, because of the dissection carried out for separating indirect sac. Shoulder pain (6 patients, 12%) is directly proportional to the time of surgery (all were >90 min) probably due to retention of CO2 which lead to diaphragmatic indentation. Scrotal edema (6 patients, 12%) depends upon the type of hernia as it occurred only in indirect hernias due to the dissection for indirect sac. All these minor complications subsided with supportive care without any surgical intervention. Mean postoperative hospital stay - 2.6 days. Laparoscopic hernia repair has a steep learning curve and time consuming initially Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernia repair has a steep learning curve and fearsome complications but once mastered, it is a safe and effective technique with early postoperative recovery. In our study we encountered only minor complications all those complications were managed conservatively.