Background: The endoscopic preperitoneal approach has numerous advantages for the reconstruction of bilateral inguinal hernias. Repair may be achieved using either one large or two small meshes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether one of the techniques was superior in terms of recurrence and complication rate.
Methods: Data obtained from 113 patients who underwent surgery between January 1998 and December 2001 was reviewed. For the sake of this study, 86% of all patients were examined for hernia recurrence at an additional outpatient visit.
Results: The findings showed recurrence rates, of 3.5% for single mesh and 3.7% for double mesh. This difference was not significant. Complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusions: Endoscopic preperitoneal bilateral hernia repair is a safe and reliable technique in the hands of experienced surgeons. The rate of hernia recurrence and complications is low and independent of the mesh configuration (single or double). Mesh configuration based on personal preference is permissible.