SIMULTANEOUS LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR AND CHOLECYSTECTOMY: DOES IT CAUSE MESH INFECTION?

BACKGROUND: Repair of inguinal hernia concomitant with cholecystectomy was rarely performed until more recently when laparoscopic herniorrhaphy gained more adepts. Although it is generally an attractive option for patients, simultaneous performance of both procedures has been questioned by the potential risk of complications related to mesh, mainly infection. AIM: To evaluate a series of patients who underwent simultaneous laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and cholecystectomy, with emphasis on the risk of complications related to the mesh, especially infection. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent simultaneous inguinal repair and cholecystectomy, both by laparoscopy, of which 46 met the inclusion criteria of this study. RESULTS: In all, hernia repair was the first procedure performed. Forty-five (97,9%) were discharged within 24 h after surgery. Total mean cost of the two procedures performed separately ($2,562.45) was 43% higher than the mean cost of both operations done simultaneously ($1,785.11). Up to 30-day postoperative follow-up, seven (15.2%) presented minor complications. No patient required hospital re-admission, percutaneous drainage, antibiotic therapy or presented any other signs of mesh infection after three months. In long-term follow-up, mean of 47,1 months, 38 patients (82,6%) were revaluated. Three (7,8%) reported complications: hernia recurrence; chronic discomfort; reoperation due a non-reabsorbed seroma, one in each. However, none showed any mesh-related complication. Satisfaction questionnaire revealed that 36 (94,7%) were satisfied with the results of surgery. All of them stated that they would opt for simultaneous surgery again if necessary. CONCLUSION: Combined laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and cholecystectomy is a safe procedure, with no increase in mesh infection. In addition, it has important advantage of reducing hospital costs and increase patient’ satisfaction.