Lichtenstein Inguinal Hernia Repair is Relatively Unaffected by Previous Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Abstract

In patients who have undergone radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), the preperitoneal space may be difficult to dissect during inguinal hernia repair. In such patients, we avoid using methods that require dissection of this preperitoneal space, such as transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair, and instead use the Lichtenstein technique. To evaluate this choice, adult male patients who underwent primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair by the Lichtenstein technique in our department between January 2011 and December 2017 for elective inguinal hernias, excluding type III ones, were compared according to whether or not they had previously undergone RRP. Of the total of 364 patients, 47 had previously undergone RRP, and 317 had not undergone this procedure. The patients in the RRP group were older, and their hernias were type I in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications in either group, and there were no differences between the groups in operating time, hemorrhage, postoperative complications, recurrence, or chronic pain. These results suggest that the Lichtenstein technique is relatively unaffected by previous RRP, and it may be a good choice for inguinal hernia patients who have previously undergone this procedure.