195 Outcomes of Emergency Groin Hernia Repair: 30-Months Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Aim Repair of Emergency groin hernia is variable across different regions and even within same units. Mesh is increasingly used these days. We aim to evaluate peri-operative and long-term outcomes over last 30-months. Method Retrospective analysis of all emergency groin hernia repairs from January 2018- July 2020 in a tertiary Centre. Case notes and electronic patient records (clinical portal, PACS system etc.) used for data collection. Results Of 89 emergency groin hernia repairs 62(69.7%) males, 32/89 (35.9%) indirect inguinal hernia and 29 (32.5%) femoral hernia. Median age 72 years (range 20-95), 74(83.1%) primary hernia and 15(16.9%) recurrent hernias. Femoral hernia was most common in females 25/27 (92.5%) in contrast 58/62 males (93.5%) had inguinal hernia. All patients, except 1(1.1%) laparoscopic, had open repair, 11/89 cases (12.3%) required bowel resection, of those 10 (90.9%) had suture repair. Additionally, 6/89 cases (6.7%) needed laparotomy. Of 68/89 (76.4%) cases who had mesh repair, 52(76.4%) were inguinal and 23.5% (16/68) femoral hernia. Only 55% femoral hernias repaired with mesh. Median LOS was 3 days (range 0-54), 6/89 cases (6.74%) had wound complications (3 wound infections, 2 haematoma and 1 fluid collection). With median 19 months (range 6-36 months) follow-up, 1(1.1%) recurrence each in both mesh and suture repair groups, no mesh infection and 2/89 (2.2%) 30-day mortality recorded. Conclusions Mesh repair is increasingly used in emergency groin hernia repair without increased risk of mesh infection, although suture repair is still preferred in groin hernias requiring bowel resection.