BACKGROUND: Simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernia remains controversial. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients underwent a preperitoneal prosthetic repair of bilateral groin hernia; 25 via laparoscopy. ASA classification, Nyhus type, hospitalization, convalescence time, and cost were examined. Mean follow-up was 36 and 12 months for the conventional and laparoscopic group respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were available for long-term follow-up. Average hospital stay, recurrence rate, perioperative urinary retention, transient thigh neuralgia, and return to normal activities were 48 hours, 5%, 9%, 6%, and 22 days as compared to 4 hours, 6%, 20%, 12%, and 9 days for the conventional and laparoscopic group respectively. The cost for laparoscopic repair was Dollars 500 greater. CONCLUSIONS: The preperitoneal approach to repair of bilateral hernias demonstrates an acceptable recurrence rate with low long-term morbidity. Experience with conventional preperitoneal technique greatly facilitates transition to laparoscopic repair.
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