Combined procedure of cesarean delivery and preperitoneal mesh repair for inguinal hernia: An initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Combined surgery for cesarean delivery and preperitoneal mesh repair for inguinal hernia has not been previously reported.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to describe the method and to present the results of this simultaneous surgery through a single incision.

METHODS: From 2012 to 2014, 15 patients underwent cesarean delivery combined with preperitoneal mesh repair for inguinal hernia. All patient characteristics and perioperative findings were recorded.

RESULTS: Among 15 patients, 13 had unilateral inguinal hernias and two had bilateral hernias. The mean times spent for unilateral and bilateral hernias were 35.8 minutes (range, 30-45 minutes) and 67.5 minutes (range, 65-70 minutes), respectively. Direct and indirect hernias were present in one and 15 patients, respectively. One patient had mixed hernia. No significant complication was observed perioperatively. Hospital stay ranged from 1 day to 3 days (mean, 1.87 days), and all patients were discharged without any problem. No recurrence was found during the follow-up periods.

CONCLUSION: Single anesthesia, single incisional scar, and single hospitalization are the major advantages of this simultaneous approach of cesarean delivery and preperitoneal mesh repair for inguinal hernia. Our analysis suggests that this combined procedure can be performed safely in selected cases.