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

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.