[Operative treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias after endoscopic pre-operation using the TEP technique (RE-TEP)].

Background: Recurrence and reoperation rates as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications are much higher in the treatment of inguinal hernia recurrences than in the treatment of primary hernias and increase with each additional follow-up procedure. Is endoscopic treatment of endoscopically pre-operated patients an alternative technique?

Aim of the study: Retrospective case study analysis on the feasibility of treating recurrent inguinal hernias after initial endoscopic, i.e., total extraperitoneal patch (TEP) or transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair technique, pre-operation using the TEP technique (RE-TEP) based on data from our own patient collective.

Material and methods: Since 2016 a total of 79 patients with recurrences after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) hernioplasty were operated on using the RE-TEP technique. In 30 patients, perioperative data and the results of clinical and sonographic follow-up examinations were evaluated and analyzed, particularly with respect to the quality of life.

Results and discussion: Perioperative and postoperative data and results were comparable to those of primary hernia repair. There were no conversions, no intraoperative or postoperative complications, no re-operations or evidence of recurrence with good postoperative quality of life. We were thus able to demonstrate feasibility in a larger group and confirm the results of individual publications of smaller studies.

Conclusion: The RE-TEP technique can be seen as an option for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias after primary MIS techniques.