Abstract
Background: Inguinal hernia repair surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide. This study sought to highlight factors that may influence decisions concerning inguinal hernia repair techniques.Methods: This descriptive crosssectional study was carried out in September 2014 among surgical trainees and surgeons.Data collected included: qualification of the operating doctor, level at which practical training on inguinal hernia repair occurred, awareness of the various inguinal hernia repair methods, inguinal hernia repair method(s) used for the past three (most recent) inguinal hernia operations and reasons for using that /those repair method(s).Results: Fifteen surgeons and sixty surgical trainees were recruited. Awareness levels and practical training were highest in the modified Bassini and Lichtenstein repair techniques. Experienced peers play a major role in training on the various repair techniques. The modified Bassini technique is preferred in emergency inguinal hernia repair; conversely, open mesh repair (Lichtenstein and PHS/plug) is preferred in elective cases. Reasons influencing choice of repair technique include training on the technique among others.Conclusion: Multiple factors affect the choice of inguinal hernia repair technique some of which are based on evidence while others are attributed to availability of resources and training (or lack thereof).Key words: Inguinal Hernia, Surgical Technique, Choice of Technique
Highlights
Inguinal hernia is a common pathology encountered by general surgeons, comprising 75% of all abdominal wall hernias [1, 2]
This study aimed to tackle these two questions: For surgeons and surgical trainees involved in inguinal hernia repair at KNH, what are their recent operative techniques? And what factors influence the choice of inguinal hernia repair technique?. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a one-time interaction with the subjects carried out in September 2014 at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) General Surgical Unit
The study targeted the entire population of surgeons and surgical trainees at the General Surgical Unit of KNH
Summary
Inguinal hernia is a common pathology encountered by general surgeons, comprising 75% of all abdominal wall hernias [1, 2]. Laparoscopic and Lichtenstein mesh repair are becoming popular in recent days as they are associated with rapid return to normal activities with low recurrence rates [4, 5]. These repair methods have come to replace the traditional suture repairs of Bassini and McVay in many developed nations. Awareness levels and practical training were highest in the modified Bassini and Lichtenstein repair techniques. Conclusion: Multiple factors affect the choice of inguinal hernia repair technique some of which are based on evidence while others are attributed to availability of resources and training (or lack thereof)
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