Publication:

A study of outcome and complications of emergency inguinal hernias repair

Background Mesh hernioplasty in patients undergoing emergency inguinal hernia repair is considered practically, irrespective of complications. The main aim of this study was to assess the morbidity of Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty in treating obstructed inguinal hernias. Primary outcome measures were post-operative wound site infection, seroma formation, length of hospital stay, hanging testis, testicular infarct, inguinodynia and recurrence.

Methods This study was undertaken in the department of General Surgery, SMIMER, Surat, Gujarat, India from August 2016 to July 2019. Fifteen patients were operated and included in the study. All patients underwent standard Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty for obstracted inguinal hernia repair in emergency operating room.

Results 5 patients (33%) developed wound site infection, 4 patients (27%) developed inguinodynia, 2 patient (13%) developed seroma formation, 1 patient (6%) developed hanging testis. 1 patient (6%) developed testicular infarct. Average postoperative hospital stay was 5.6 days (range =2-18 days).

Conclusions Mesh repairs can be safely performed in emergency inguinal hernia repair with acceptable morbidity.