OC-023 INCIDENCE OF TRUE CONTRALATERAL METACHRONOUS INGUINAL HERNIA ON LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP AFTER UNILATERAL INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Aim The repair of inguinal hernias is one of the most common surgical procedures with few complications. Some patients will need a second operation because of the development of a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH). The suggestion has been made to strengthen the contralateral side at the same time as primary surgery. In this study we aim to determine how many patients, with a unilateral inguinal hernia will develop a MCIH. Methods We performed a literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. As outcome measure, the number of patients diagnosed with a MCIH were registered. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain a summary estimate of the percentage of patients with MCIH. Results A total of 19 articles with a combined total of 277.288 patients who underwent elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were included. The combined estimate for MCIH equaled 8.3% (95%CI: 7.1%-9.5%). A random-effects meta-regression was performed to obtain the percentage of MCIH as a function of the median follow-up time. The percentage of MCIH at 3, 5 and 10 years was estimated as 5.2%, 8% and 17.1%, respectively. Conclusion We believe there is not enough clinical evidence to support the idea of prophylactic contralateral repair. We suggest a patient-specific approach in the decision to perform prophylactic repair, taking into account potential risk factors, type of surgical approach, and general risk factors for chronic postoperative inguinal pain. More long term prospective data are needed to guide the decision for prophylactic contralateral mesh placement in a clinical healthy groin.