Evaluation of 335 inguinal hernia repair by Lichtenstein technique: a retrospective study

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate of 335 inguinal hernia repair by Lichtenstein technique in elective inguinal hernia management. Materyal and Methods: Three hundred fifty-five patients who administered to the General Surgery Clinic between Jan 2004 and Jan 2006 underwent inguinal hernia repair with the “Lichtenstein-tension-free” surgery technique were retrospectively evaluated in respect to demographics, recurrence and postoperative complications. Follow-up data were obtained from hospital charts, recurrence and late complications were evaluated in telephone interview. Results: 313 patients out of 355 were (88.2%) men and 42 (11.8%) were women. The mean age was 54 years (ranged 21-76 years). The hernia was on the right side in 241 patients (67.9%) and on the left side in 91patients (25.6%). 194 of 355 (54.7%) patients have indirect hernia. The postoperative mean hospital stay was 1.1 days (range 1-3 days). The most common postoperative early complication was urinary retantion. The late period complications including chronic pain in 3 patients (0.8 %), testicular atrophy in 2 patients (0.5 %), and recurrence in 4 patients (1.1%). Conclusion: this study shown that Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair is a safe and feasible surgery method in respect to 1.1% recurrence and 22.6% overall post-operative complication rate