Sexual function after Stoppa hernia repair in patients with bilateral inguinal hernia

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Stoppa hernia repair on sexual function of the patients with bilateral inguinal hernia. Methods: In a prospective follow-up study, 50 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia were investigated to assess sexual function before and 1 and 6 months after standardized Stoppa hernioplasty using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The mean scores obtained on pre- and postoperative visits for all domains of sexual function were analyzed and compared with the Friedman and paired Wilcoxon tests. Results: The mean score of IIEF at the first month after surgery was significantly declined compared to that before surgery and 6 months after surgery (P< 0.001), while the difference between preoperative score and the score at 6 months after surgery was not significant Conclusion: Bilateral inguinal mesh repair with Stoppa technique can decreased sexual activity of the patients at one month after surgery, nevertheless it returns to its initial condition at 6 months after surgery. This suggests that the Stoppa technique does not affect the sexual function of patients with bilateral inguinal hernia.