Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repairs performed by supervised surgical trainees

Am J Surg. 2011 Mar;201(3):379-83; discussion 383-4. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2010.08.019.

Abstract

Background: Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repairs performed by supervised surgical trainees are absent.

Methods: Retrospective review of TEP inguinal hernioplasties performed by trainees at our institution.

Results: From 1995 to 2009, a total of 1,479 inguinal hernia repairs on 976 patients were performed by supervised surgical trainees. The mean patient age was 54 years (range 5-86). Men (97%), direct defects (51%), and bilateral repairs (52%) predominated. Recurrent hernias compromised 17%. Four (.4%) patients were converted to open surgery because of scarring. Postoperative complications consisted of urinary retention (8%), seroma (3%), and hematoma (2%). Trainee participation included interns (46%), PGY-2s (10%), PGY-3s (2%), PGY-4s (3%), and PGY-5s (39%). With a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, recurrence and bothersome groin pain rates were 2.6% and 1.5%, respectively.

Conclusions: With adequate supervision, surgical trainees can safely perform the TEP repair with good long-term outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Groin
  • Hernia, Inguinal / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Internship and Residency / statistics & numerical data*
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Learning Curve*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Pain / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Quality of Life
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Safety
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / adverse effects
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / education*
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / methods*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome