Single-incision totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair is feasible and safe in patients on antithrombotic therapy: A single-center experience of 92 procedures.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of SILS for totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair for patients on antithrombotic therapy.

METHODS

A total of 365 patients who underwent SILS for totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair between January 2011 and November 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Antithrombotic drugs were stopped preoperatively, and bridging intravenous heparin therapy was given according to the operative risk of each patient. Data on the patients' characteristics and perioperative outcomes were collected from their medical records.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients (25%, 92/365) were treated with antithrombotic drugs preoperatively. The mean operative times for unilateral and bilateral hernia repairs were 96 min and 94 min (P = 0.5), respectively, in the antithrombotic therapy group and 140 min and 130 min (P = 0.2), respectively, in the control group. Bleeding volume was minimal in all patients. There was no significant difference in the conversion rate. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.5 days in the antithrombotic therapy group and 2.1 days in the control group (P = 0.1). Postoperative complications were seen in 16% (15/92) of patients in the antithrombotic therapy group and in 11% (29/273) of patients in the control group (P = 0.2). Pulmonary embolism was seen in one patient (0.4%, 1/273) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

SILS for totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with bridging heparin therapy can be performed safely for patients on antithrombotic therapy.