Surgical Endoscopy

, Volume 31, Issue 8, pp 3168–3185 | Cite as

Laparo-endoscopic versus open recurrent inguinal hernia repair: should we follow the guidelines?

  • F. Köckerling
  • R. Bittner
  • A. Kuthe
  • B. Stechemesser
  • R. Lorenz
  • A. Koch
  • W. Reinpold
  • H. Niebuhr
  • M. Hukauf
  • C. Schug-Pass
Open Access
Article

Abstract

Introduction

On the basis of six meta-analyses, the guidelines of the European Hernia Society (EHS) recommend laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair following previous open inguinal hernia operation and, likewise, open repair following previous laparo-endoscopic operation. So far no data are available on implementation of the guidelines or for comparison of outcomes. Besides, there are no studies for comparison of outcomes for compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines.

Patients and methods

In total, 4812 patients with elective unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair in men were enrolled between September 1, 2009, and September 17, 2014, in the Herniamed Registry. Only patients with 1-year follow-up were included.

Results

Out of the 2482 laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair operations 90.5% of patients, and out of the 2330 open recurrent repair procedures only 38.5% of patients, were operated on in accordance with the guidelines of the EHS. Besides, on compliance with the guidelines multivariable analysis demonstrated for laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair a significantly lower risk of pain at rest (OR 0.643 [0.476; 0.868]; p = 0.004) and pain on exertion (OR 0.679 [0.537; 0.857]; p = 0.001). Comparison of laparo-endoscopic and open recurrent repair in settings of compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines showed a higher incidence of perioperative complications and re-recurrences for recurrent repairs that did not comply with the guidelines.

Conclusion

The EHS guidelines for recurrent inguinal hernia repair are not yet being observed to the extent required. Non-compliance with the guidelines is associated with higher perioperative complication rates and higher risk of re-recurrence. Even on compliance with the guidelines, the risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion is higher after open recurrent repair than after laparo-endoscopic repair.

Keywords

Inguinal hernia Recurrence Postoperative complications Pain Endoscopic repair 

Compared with primary inguinal hernia operations, both open and laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair procedures are associated with a higher rate of perioperative complications, re-recurrences and chronic pain [1, 2]. Six meta-analyses are available for comparison of laparo-endoscopic with open recurrent inguinal hernia repairs [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. These meta-analyses analyzed 12 studies [9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]. Compared with the meta-analysis by Li et al. [7], which included non-randomized studies [12, 13, 16, 19], the meta-analysis by Pisanu et al. [6] featured the largest number of exclusively prospective randomized studies [9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20]. There was no high risk of bias in any of the included trials [6]. The studies included in total 647 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia randomized to either laparo-endoscopic repair [n = 333; 51.5%, transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal patch plasty (TEP)], or anterior open repair (n = 314; 48.5%, by Lichtenstein technique). Patients who underwent laparo-endoscopic repair experienced significantly less chronic pain (9.2 vs 21.5%; p = 0.003). Patients of the laparo-endoscopic group had a significantly earlier return to normal daily activities (13.9 vs 18.4 days, SMD −0.68, 95% CI −0.94 to −0.43; p < 0.000001). Operative time was significantly longer in laparo-endoscopic operations (62.9 vs 54.2 min, SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.03, 0.89; p = 0.04) [6]. No other differences were found [6]. Another prospective randomized controlled study that was not included in the meta-analyses also identified a lower chronic pain rate after laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair [21]. A Swedish registry study likewise demonstrated on comparing anterior mesh repair with laparo-endoscopic mesh repair for recurrent hernias a lower risk of chronic pain for the laparo-endoscopic operation (OR 0.54 [CI 0.30–0.97]; p = 0.039) [22].

On the basis of the meta-analyses, the European Hernia Society recommends laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair of recurrent hernias after conventional open repair [8, 23] and for recurrent hernias after laparo-endoscopic hernia repair an open procedure. Likewise, the International Endohernia Society recommends, with a high level of evidence, TEP and TAPP for repair of recurrent hernia as the preferred alternative to tissue repair and to the Lichtenstein repair after prior anterior repair [24, 25]. In the Consensus Development Conference of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery, TEP and TAPP are preferred in patients with a recurrent groin hernia after open repair. Repeat endoscopic repair is only feasible when the surgeon has a high level of experience in repeat endoscopic groin hernia repair [26]. However, registry data show that even following previous open suture and mesh repair to treat the primary inguinal hernia, open suture and mesh repair are used once again for a recurrent hernia [27]. That is due to the fact that the skill needed for laparo-endoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repairs was not always assured. Where surgeons had used an open technique to repair 95% of primary inguinal hernias, then more than 90% of recurrences were also repaired using an open procedure [28]. That was also true when using mesh repair for the primary inguinal hernia operation [13].

This present analysis of data from the Herniamed Hernia Registry [29] now investigates: (1) To what extent surgeons implement the guidelines of the international hernia societies. (2) Since to date no study has compared the outcomes of open and laparo-endoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repair carried out in compliance with the guidelines, that aspect will now also be explored in the present analysis. (3) Finally, how the outcomes of open and laparo-endoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repair differ on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines.

Patients and methods

The Herniamed Registry is a multicenter, Internet-based hernia registry [29] into which 427 participating hospitals and surgeons engaged in private practice (Herniamed Study Group) have entered data prospectively on their patients who had undergone routine hernia surgery and signed an informed consent to participate. All postoperative complications occurring up to 30 days after surgery are recorded. On 1-year follow-up, postoperative complications are once again reviewed when the general practitioner and patient complete a questionnaire. Information is also obtained on any recurrence, pain at rest and on exertion as well as pain requiring treatment. This present analysis compares the prospective data collected for all male patients with a minimum age of 16 years who had undergone elective recurrent unilateral inguinal hernia repair using either transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP), total extraperitoneal patch plasty (TEP) or open repair in Lichtenstein, Should ice, TIPP and Plug techniques.

In total, 4812 patients were enrolled between September 1, 2009, and August 31, 2013 (Fig. 1). Of these patients, 2482 (51.58%) had laparo-endoscopic and 2330 (48.42%) open repair. All the patients had to have a 1-year follow-up (follow-up rate 100%).
Fig. 1

Flowchart of patient inclusion

The demographic and surgery-related parameters included age (years), BMI (kg/m2), ASA classification (I, II, III–IV) as well as EHS classification (hernia type: medial, lateral, femoral, scrotal and defect size: grade I = <1.5 cm, grade II = 1.5–3 cm, grade III = >3 cm) [30] and general risk factors (nicotine, COPD, diabetes, cortisone, immunosuppression, etc.). Risk factors were dichotomized, i.e., ‘yes’ if at least one risk factor is positive and ‘no’ otherwise.

The dependent variables were intra- and postoperative complication rates, number of reoperations due to complications as well as the 1-year results (recurrence rate, pain at rest, pain on exertion and pain requiring treatment).

All analyses were performed with the software 9.2 (SAS 9.2 Institute Inc. Cary, NY, USA) and intentionally calculated to a full significance level of 5%, i.e., they were not corrected in respect of multiple tests, and each p value ≤0.05 represents a significant result. To discern differences between the groups in unadjusted analyses, Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical outcome variables and the robust t-test (Satterthwaite) for continuous variables.

To rule out any confounding of data caused by different patient characteristics, the results of unadjusted analyses were verified via multivariable analyses in which, in addition to laparo-endoscopic or open operation, other influence parameters were simultaneously reviewed.

To identify influence factors in multivariable analyses, the binary logistic regression model for dichotomous outcome variables was used. Estimates for odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval based on the Wald test were given. For influence variables with more than two categories, one of the latter forms was used in each case as reference category. For age (years) the 10-year OR estimate and for BMI (kg/m2) the five-point OR estimate were given. Results were presented in tabular form, sorted by descending impact.

Results

  1. 1.

    To what extent do surgeons follow the guidelines?

     
In the laparo-endoscopic recurrent operation group, the recurrent operation was performed for n = 1528/2482 (61.6%) patients following the open suture technique for n = 718/2482 (28.9%) after open mesh repair, and for n = 233/2482 (9.4%) following laparo-endoscopic primary mesh repair (unknown 0.1%).

Open recurrent repair was performed for n = 1011/2330 (43.4%) patients following previous open suture repair, for n = 897/2330 (38.5%) patients following laparo-endoscopic mesh repair and for 412/2330 (17.7%) patients after open mesh repair of the primary inguinal hernia (unknown 0.4%).

Accordingly, in the laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair group 90.5%, and in the open recurrent repair group 38.5%, of patients were operated on in compliance with the guidelines of the international hernia societies.

  1. 2.

    Is there a difference in the outcome of open versus laparo-endoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repair in compliance with the guidelines?

     
This analysis is based on n = 2246 laparo-endoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repair operations following previous open primary operation and n = 897 open recurrent inguinal hernia repair operations following previous laparo-endoscopic primary repair (Table 1). Unadjusted analysis did not find any significant difference in the mean age between the two groups; however, the mean BMI value was higher for those patients undergoing open recurrent repair (Table 2). The open recurrent repair was associated with significantly larger hernia defects, more medial, fewer femoral and lateral EHS classifications (Table 3). No differences were identified in the risk factors (Table 3). Non-adjusted analysis of the target variables revealed that the intraoperative complications entailed more nerve injuries for open recurrent repair as well as more pain at rest and pain on exertion on 1-year follow-up (Table 4). No significant difference was detected between the laparo-endoscopic and open technique on performing recurrent repair in compliance with the guidelines for the following: overall intraoperative complication rate, postoperative complication rate, complication-related reoperation rate, recurrence rate and the rate of chronic pain requiring treatment.
Table 1

Recurrent operations according to the guidelines and previous operations

 

Previous operations

Total

Unknown

Suture

Open mesh

Endoscopic mesh

N

%

N

%

N

%

N

%

N

%

Recurrent operation

 Endoscopic

3

0.1

1528

61.6

718

28.9

233

9.4

2482

100.0

 Open

10

0.4

1011

43.4

412

17.7

897

38.5

2330

100.0

 Total

13

0.3

2539

52.8

1130

23.5

1130

23.5

4812

100.0

Bold numbers are the operations in accordance with the guidelines

Table 2

Age and BMI of patients with laparo-endoscopic versus open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair in men according to the guidelines

  

Operation

p

Endoscopic

Open

Age (years)

Mean ± STD

58.9 ± 15.6

59.3 ± 15.3

0.440

BMI (kg/m2)

Mean ± STD

25.9 ± 3.4

26.3 ± 3.6

0.004

Table 3

Demographic and surgery-related parameters and risk factors for patients with laparo-endoscopic versus open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair in men according to the guidelines

  

Endoscopic

Open

p

n

%

n

%

ASA score

I

561

24.98

257

28.65

0.091

II

1302

57.97

502

55.96

III/IV

383

17.05

138

15.38

Defect size

I (<1.5 cm)

417

18.57

151

16.83

<0.001

II (1.5–3 cm)

1459

64.96

493

54.96

III (>3 cm)

370

16.47

253

28.21

EHS-classification medial

Yes

1112

49.51

518

57.75

<0.001

No

1134

50.49

379

42.25

EHS-classification lateral

Yes

1351

60.15

452

50.39

<0.001

No

895

39.85

445

49.61

EHS-classification femoral

Yes

77

3.43

15

1.67

0.007

No

2169

96.57

882

98.33

EHS-classification scrotal

Yes

27

1.20

12

1.34

0.724

No

2219

98.80

885

98.66

Risk factor

 Total

Yes

687

30.59

275

30.66

0.966

No

1559

69.41

622

69.34

 COPD

Yes

151

6.72

66

7.36

0.534

No

2095

93.28

831

92.64

 Diabetes

Yes

129

5.74

51

5.69

1.000

No

2117

94.26

846

94.31

 Aortic aneurism

Yes

16

0.71

4

0.45

0.467

No

2230

99.29

893

99.55

 Immunosuppression

Yes

14

0.62

10

1.11

0.174

No

2232

99.38

887

98.89

 Corticoids

Yes

20

0.89

8

0.89

1.000

No

2226

99.11

889

99.11

 Smoking

Yes

262

11.67

110

12.26

0.669

No

1984

88.33

787

87.74

 Coagulopathy

Yes

33

1.47

9

1.00

0.390

No

2213

98.53

888

99.00

 Antiplatelet medication

Yes

202

8.99

79

8.81

0.890

No

2044

91.01

818

91.19

 Anticoagulation therapy

Yes

44

1.96

25

2.79

0.177

No

2202

98.04

872

97.21

Table 4

Intra- and postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and 1-year follow-up results of patients with laparo-endoscopic versus open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair in men according to the guidelines

  

Endoscopic

Open

p

n

%

n

%

Intraoperative complication

 Total

Yes

26

1.16

14

1.56

0.380

No

2220

98.84

883

98.44

 Bleeding

Yes

15

0.67

3

0.33

0.431

No

2231

99.33

894

99.67

 Injuries

  Total

Yes

17

0.76

12

1.34

0.147

No

2229

99.24

885

98.66

  Vascular

Yes

8

0.36

0

0.00

0.115

No

2238

99.64

897

100.0

  Bowel

Yes

5

0.22

0

0.00

0.330

No

2241

99.78

897

100.0

  Bladder

Yes

2

0.09

1

0.11

1.000

No

2244

99.91

896

99.89

  Nerve

Yes

0

0.00

9

1.00

<0.001

No

2246

100.0

888

99.00

Postoperative complication

 Total

Yes

80

3.56

33

3.68

0.916

No

2166

96.44

864

96.32

 Bleeding

Yes

29

1.29

17

1.90

0.248

No

2217

98.71

880

98.10

 Seroma

Yes

51

2.27

14

1.56

0.266

No

2195

97.73

883

98.44

 Bowell injury/anastomotic leakage

Yes

1

0.04

0

0.00

1.000

No

2245

99.96

897

100.0

 Wound healing disorders

Yes

2

0.09

4

0.45

0.059

No

2244

99.91

893

99.55

 Ileus

No

2246

100.0

897

100.0

Reoperations

Yes

27

1.20

9

1.00

0.714

No

2219

98.80

888

99.00

Recurrence on follow-up

Yes

28

1.25

10

1.11

0.858

No

2218

98.75

887

98.89

Pain in rest on follow-up

Yes

133

5.92

78

8.70

0.007

No

2113

94.08

819

91.30

Pain on exertion on follow-up

Yes

250

11.13

135

15.05

0.003

No

1996

88.87

762

84.95

Pain requiring treatment

Yes

85

3.78

40

4.46

0.419

No

2161

96.22

857

95.54

For multivariable analysis of intraoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and recurrence on 1-year follow-up, it was not possible to calculate any model because of the paucity of relevant cases. The results of the model that explored the variables influencing onset of postoperative complications are illustrated in Table 5 (model matching: p = 0.002). Only medial EHS localization impacted the postoperative complication rate. Medial EHS classification reduced the risk of postoperative complications (OR 0.427 [0.213; 0.857]; p = 0.017). But there was no evidence of the surgical technique having impacted the postoperative complication rate. The multivariable analysis results of pain at rest are presented in Table 6 (model matching: p < 0.001). Here, the BMI proved to be the strongest influence factor (p = 0.001). A five-point higher BMI increased the risk of pain at rest (five-point OR 1.351 [1.127; 1.620]). On the other hand, laparo-endoscopic operation (OR 0.643 [0.476; 0.868]; p = 0.004) and larger defect size (III vs I: OR 0.500 [0.307; 0.815]; p = 0.021) significantly reduced the risk of pain at rest. The multivariable analysis results of pain on exertion are given in Table 7 (model matching: p < 0.001). These were highly significantly affected by age and hernia defect size (p < 0.001). A higher age (10-year OR 0.825 [0.760; 0.897]) as well as larger hernias (II vs I: OR 0.704 [0.541; 0.916]; III vs I: OR 0.479 [0.331; 0.693]) reduced the risk of pain on exertion. Likewise, laparo-endoscopic operations (OR 0.679 [0.537; 0.857]; p = 0.001) compared with open operations reduced the risk for onset of pain on exertion. Similarly, lateral EHS classification reduced the risk (OR 0.624 [0.422; 0.922]; p = 0.018) of pain on exertion. However, the risk was increased in association with a five-point higher BMI (five-point OR 1.251 [1.081; 1.449]; p = 0.003). The multivariable analysis results of chronic pain requiring treatment are presented in Table 8 (model matching: p = 0.005). Here, only the BMI proved to be a significant influence factor (p = 0.014). A five-point higher BM increased the rate of pain requiring treatment (five-point OR 1.320 [1.058; 1.647]). However, there was no evidence of the surgical technique having impacted the rate of pain requiring treatment.
Table 5

Multivariable analysis of postoperative complications in patients with recurrent inguinal hernia repair according to the guidelines

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

EHS-classification medial

0.017

Yes versus no

0.427

0.213

0.857

Age (10-year OR)

0.081

 

1.148

0.983

1.339

Defect size

0.118

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.848

0.502

1.434

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

1.382

0.756

2.526

Risk factors

0.139

Yes versus no

1.371

0.903

2.083

BMI (five-point OR)

0.155

 

0.807

0.600

1.085

ASA score

0.306

II versus I

0.817

0.486

1.370

III/IV versus I

1.177

0.600

2.308

EHS-classification lateral

0.372

Yes versus no

0.723

0.354

1.474

EHS-classification femoral

0.647

Yes versus no

1.263

0.466

3.426

Operation

0.772

Endoscopic versus open

0.939

0.616

1.434

EHS-classification scrotal

0.862

Yes versus no

1.121

0.308

4.077

Table 6

Multivariable analysis of pain in rest in 1-year follow-up in patients with recurrent inguinal hernia repair according to the guidelines

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

BMI (five-point OR)

0.001

 

1.351

1.127

1.620

Operation

0.004

Endoscopic versus open

0.643

0.476

0.868

Defect size

0.021

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.794

0.562

1.123

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.500

0.307

0.815

Age (10-year OR)

0.064

 

0.902

0.809

1.006

EHS-classification lateral

0.087

Yes versus no

0.629

0.370

1.070

EHS-classification medial

0.122

Yes versus no

0.659

0.389

1.118

Risk factor

0.129

Yes versus no

1.278

0.931

1.754

EHS-classification femoral

0.834

Yes versus no

0.913

0.392

2.130

ASA score

0.888

II versus I

0.917

0.643

1.307

III/IV versus I

0.943

0.552

1.610

EHS-classification scrotal

0.974

Yes versus no

0.000

0.000

I

I Infinity

Table 7

Multivariable analysis of pain on exertion in 1-year follow-up in patients with recurrent inguinal hernia repair according to the guidelines

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

Age (10-year OR)

<0.001

 

0.825

0.760

0.897

Defect size

<0.001

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.704

0.541

0.916

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.479

0.331

0.693

Operation

0.001

Endoscopic versus open

0.679

0.537

0.857

BMI (five-point OR)

0.003

 

1.251

1.081

1.449

EHS-classification lateral

0.018

Yes versus no

0.624

0.422

0.922

EHS-classification scrotal

0.094

Yes versus no

0.178

0.024

1.339

EHS-classification medial

0.180

Yes versus no

0.765

0.517

1.131

Risk factor

0.512

Yes versus no

1.087

0.847

1.393

ASA score

0.764

II versus I

0.981

0.749

1.285

III/IV versus I

1.114

0.737

1.682

EHS-classification femoral

0.933

Yes versus no

0.973

0.511

1.850

Table 8

Multivariable analysis of chronic pain requiring treatment in 1-year follow-up in patients with recurrent inguinal hernia repair according to the guidelines

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

 

BMI (five-point OR)

0.014

 

1.320

1.058

1.647

EHS-classification lateral

0.051

Yes versus no

0.494

0.243

1.004

Age (10-year OR)

0.053

 

0.871

0.758

1.002

EHS-classification medial

0.054

Yes versus no

0.501

0.248

1.012

ASA score

0.240

II versus I

1.048

0.654

1.679

III/IV versus I

1.607

0.834

3.094

Risk factor

0.253

Yes versus no

1.263

0.846

1.886

Operation

0.260

Endoscopic versus open

0.797

0.538

1.182

Defect size

0.294

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.944

0.597

1.493

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.634

0.338

1.191

EHS-classification femoral

0.476

Yes versus no

1.390

0.561

3.445

EHS-classification scrotal

0.979

Yes versus no

0.000

0.000

I

I Infinity

  1. 3a.

    How do the outcomes of laparo-endoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repair differ on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines?

     
In the laparo-endoscopic recurrent operation group, the recurrent operation was performed for n = 233/2482 (9.4%) patients following laparo-endoscopic primary mesh repair, i.e., not in compliance with the guidelines of the international hernia societies (Table 9). These cases are compared below with the n = 2246/2482 (90.6%) patients who were operated on in compliance with the guidelines, with laparo-endoscopic procedure for recurrent repair following previous open primary inguinal hernia operation (Table 9). No significant difference was identified between the two groups with regard to the mean age and BMI (Table 10). The laparo-endoscopic recurrent repairs not conducted in compliance with the guidelines revealed a significantly higher proportion of larger defects as well as a smaller proportion of lateral inguinal hernia recurrences (Table 11). No relevant differences were found for the other variables and risk factors. When recurrent repair was performed as per the guidelines, the laparo-endoscopic procedure was found to be associated with fewer intraoperative (1.2 vs 3.0%; p = 0.019) and postoperative complications (3.6 vs 8.6%; p < 0.001) as well as a lower re-recurrence risk (1.2 vs 3.4%; p = 0.008; Table 12). No differences were identified for the pain rates.
Table 9

Laparo-endoscopic unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repairs on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

 

Previous operations

Total

Suture

Open mesh

Endoscopic mesh

N

ColPctN

N

ColPctN

N

ColPctN

N

ColPctN

Guidelines

 No

233

100.0

233

9.4

 Yes

1528

100.0

718

100.0

2246

90.6

 Total

1528

100.0

718

100.0

233

100.0

2479

100.0

Table 10

Age and BMI of patients with laparo-endoscopic unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

  

Guidelines

p

Yes

No

Age (years)

Mean ± STD

58.9 ± 15.6

60.1 ± 14.2

0.199

BMI

Mean ± STD

25.9 ± 3.4

26.2 ± 3.0

0.306

Table 11

Demographic and surgery-related parameters and risk factors for patients with laparo-endoscopic unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

  

Guideline

p

Yes

No

n

%

n

%

ASA score

I

562

24.99

59

25.32

0.992

II

1303

57.94

134

57.51

III/IV

384

17.07

40

17.17

Defect size

I (<1.5 cm)

419

18.63

34

14.59

0.001

II (1.5–3 cm)

1460

64.92

139

59.66

III (>3 cm)

370

16.45

60

25.75

Risk factor

 Total

Yes

687

30.55

60

25.75

0.129

No

1562

69.45

173

74.25

 COPD

Yes

151

6.71

14

6.01

0.681

No

2098

93.29

219

93.99

 Diabetes

Yes

129

5.74

10

4.29

0.361

No

2120

94.26

223

95.71

 Aortic aneurism

Yes

16

0.71

1

0.43

0.619

No

2233

99.29

232

99.57

 Immunosuppression

Yes

14

0.62

1

0.43

0.717

No

2235

99.38

232

99.57

 Corticoids

Yes

20

0.89

1

0.43

0.465

No

2229

99.11

232

99.57

 Smoking

Yes

262

11.65

30

12.88

0.580

No

1987

88.35

203

87.12

 Coagulopathy

Yes

33

1.47

3

1.29

0.827

No

2216

98.53

230

98.71

 Antiplatelet medication

Yes

202

8.98

15

6.44

0.191

No

2047

91.02

218

93.56

 Anticoagulation therapy

Yes

44

1.96

4

1.72

0.800

No

2205

98.04

229

98.28

EHS-classification medial

Yes

1115

49.58

120

51.50

0.576

No

1134

50.42

113

48.50

EHS-classification lateral

Yes

1351

60.07

118

50.64

0.005

No

898

39.93

115

49.36

EHS-classification femoral

Yes

77

3.42

6

2.58

0.493

No

2172

96.58

227

97.42

EHS-classification scrotal

Yes

27

1.20

5

2.15

0.223

No

2222

98.80

228

97.85

Table 12

Intra- and postoperative compilations, complication-related reoperations and 1-year follow-up-results of patients with laparo-endoscopic unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

  

Guidelines

p

Yes

No

n

%

n

%

Intraoperative complication

 Total

Yes

26

1.16

7

3.00

0.019

No

2223

98.84

226

97.00

 Bleeding

Yes

15

0.67

7

3.00

<0.001

No

2234

99.33

226

97.00

 Injury

  Total

Yes

17

0.76

3

1.29

0.388

No

2232

99.24

230

98.71

  Vascular

Yes

8

0.36

3

1.29

0.042

No

2241

99.64

230

98.71

  Bowell

Yes

5

0.22

0

0.00

0.471

No

2244

99.78

233

100.0

  Bladder

Yes

2

0.09

0

0.00

0.649

No

2247

99.91

233

100.0

Postoperative complication

 Total

Yes

80

3.56

20

8.58

<0.001

No

2169

96.44

213

91.42

 Bleeding

Yes

29

1.29

6

2.58

0.113

No

2220

98.71

227

97.42

 Seroma

Yes

51

2.27

14

6.01

<0.001

No

2198

97.73

219

93.99

 Infection

Yes

1

0.04

0

0.00

0.748

No

2248

99.96

233

100.0

 Bowell injury

Yes

1

0.04

0

0.00

0.748

No

2248

99.96

233

100.0

 Wound healing disorders

Yes

1

0.04

0

0.00

0.748

No

2248

99.96

233

100.0

Reoperations

Yes

27

1.20

6

2.58

0.081

No

2222

98.80

227

97.42

Recurrence on follow-up

Yes

28

1.24

8

3.43

0.008

No

2221

98.76

225

96.57

Pain in rest on follow-up

Yes

133

5.91

20

8.58

0.107

No

2116

94.09

213

91.42

Pain on exertion on follow-up

Yes

250

11.12

34

14.59

0.113

No

1999

88.88

199

85.41

Pain requiring treatment on follow-up

Yes

85

3.78

10

4.29

0.698

No

2164

96.22

223

95.71

For multivariable analysis of the intraoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and re-recurrences, it was not possible to calculate a valid model on differences of follow-up because of the small number of positive cases. On univariable analysis of pain at rest, pain on exertion and chronic pain requiring treatment, no difference was discerned for the procedures conducted in accordance with the guidelines.

The multivariable analysis results for the postoperative complications are presented in Table 13 (model matching: p < 0.001). The postoperative complications were impacted, in particular, by the procedures conducted in accordance with the guidelines (p = 0.001). When the guidelines were observed, the risk of onset of postoperative complications declined (OR 0.419 [0.248; 0.708]; p = 0.001). Besides, the defect size had a significant effect on the postoperative complication risk. Larger hernia defects (III vs I: OR 2.329 [1.135; 4.779]; p = 0.018) were associated with a higher complication risk.
Table 13

Multivariable analysis of postoperative complications in patients with laparo-endoscopic unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

 

Guidelines

0.001

Yes versus no

0.419

0.248

0.708

Defect size

0.018

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

1.256

0.656

2.404

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

2.329

1.135

4.779

Age (10-year OR)

0.089

 

1.152

0.979

1.357

EHS-classification medial

0.115

Yes versus no

0.572

0.285

1.146

Risk factor

0.269

Yes versus no

1.293

0.820

2.038

BMI (five-point OR)

0.420

 

0.876

0.634

1.210

EHS-classification femoral

0.429

Yes versus no

1.485

0.558

3.953

EHS-classification lateral

0.532

Yes versus no

0.797

0.392

1.621

EHS-classification scrotal

0.612

Yes versus no

1.378

0.399

4.758

ASA score

0.657

II versus I

0.849

0.484

1.489

III/IV versus I

1.056

0.512

2.179

  1. 3b.

    How do the outcomes of open recurrent inguinal hernia repair differ on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines?

     
In the open recurrent repair group, only n = 897/2.320 (38.5%) of operations were performed following previous primary laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair, i.e., according to the guidelines. Conduct of open recurrent repair following previous suture procedure for the primary inguinal hernia repair (n = 1.011/2.320; 43.4%) and after mesh procedure (n = 412/2.320; 17.7%) was not in compliance with the guidelines (Table 14). Below are now compared the open recurrent inguinal hernia repair procedures conducted on compliance (n = 897/2.320; 38.5%) versus non-compliance with the guidelines (n = 1.423/2.320; 61.3%).
Table 14

Open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repairs on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

 

Previous operations

Total

Suture

Open mesh

Endoscopic mesh

N

ColPctN

N

ColPctN

N

ColPctN

N

ColPctN

Guidelines

 No

1011

100.0

412

100.0

1423

61.3

 Yes

897

100.0

897

38.7

 Total

1011

100.0

412

100.0

897

100.0

2320

100.0

Patients with recurrent inguinal hernias repaired in accordance with the guidelines had a significantly lower age and higher BMI (Table 15). Furthermore, patients operated on with an open procedure as per the guidelines had a significantly lower ASA score, smaller hernia defects, fewer risk factors and fewer lateral and scrotal hernias (Table 16). When the recurrent repair was performed as per the guidelines, open repair was associated with fewer postoperative complications (3.6 vs 5.8%; p = 0.021) and complication-related reoperation (1.0 vs 2.1%; p = 0.041) as well as a lower re-recurrence risk (1.1 vs 2.6%; p = 0.012). On the other hand, there was an increase in the risk of pain at rest (8.6 vs 5.4%; p = 0.003) and on exertion (15.0 vs 10.2%; p < 0.001; Table 17).
Table 15

Age and BMI of patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

 

Guidelines

p

Yes

No

Age (years)

Mean ± STD

59.3 ± 13.5

62.5 ± 16.2

<0.001

BMI

Mean ± STD

26.3 ± 3.6

25.8 ± 3.4

<0.001

Table 16

Demographic and surgery-related parameters and risk factors for patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

  

Guidelines

p

Yes

No

n

%

n

%

ASA score

I

258

28.45

368

25.86

<0.001

II

509

56.12

708

49.75

III/IV

140

15.44

347

24.39

Defect size

I (<1.5 cm)

154

16.98

240

16.87

0.028

II (1.5–3 cm)

498

54.91

711

49.96

III (>3 cm)

255

28.11

472

33.17

Risk factor

 Total

Yes

277

30.54

559

39.28

<0.001

No

630

69.46

864

60.72

 COPD

Yes

67

7.39

149

10.47

0.012

No

840

92.61

1274

89.53

 Diabetes

Yes

51

5.62

114

8.01

0.028

No

856

94.38

1309

91.99

 Aortic aneurism

Yes

4

0.44

11

0.77

0.329

No

903

99.56

1412

99.23

 Immunosuppression

Yes

10

1.10

23

1.62

0.306

No

897

98.90

1400

98.38

 Corticoid

Yes

8

0.88

29

2.04

0.030

No

899

99.12

1394

97.96

 Smoking

Yes

111

12.24

203

14.27

0.162

No

796

87.76

1220

85.73

 Coagulopathy

Yes

9

0.99

40

2.81

0.003

No

898

99.01

1383

97.19

 Antiplatelet medication

Yes

79

8.71

186

13.07

0.001

No

828

91.29

1237

86.93

 Anticoagulation therapy

Yes

25

2.76

50

3.51

0.313

No

882

97.24

1373

96.49

EHS-classification medial

Yes

523

57.66

795

55.87

0.394

No

384

42.34

628

44.13

EHS-classification lateral

Yes

460

50.72

800

56.22

0.009

No

447

49.28

623

43.78

EHS-classification femoral

Yes

15

1.65

32

2.25

0.319

No

892

98.35

1391

97.75

EHS-classification scrotal

Yes

12

1.32

63

4.43

<0.001

No

895

98.68

1360

95.57

Table 17

Intra- and postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and 1-year follow-up results of patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines

  

Yes

No

p

n

%

n

%

Intraoperative complication

 Total

Yes

14

1.54

23

1.62

0.891

No

893

98.46

1400

98.38

 Bleeding

Yes

3

0.33

12

0.84

0.131

No

904

99.67

1411

99.16

 Injury

  Total

Yes

12

1.32

14

0.98

0.447

No

895

98.68

1409

99.02

  Vascular

Yes

0

0.00

3

0.21

0.166

No

907

100.0

1420

99.79

  Bowell

Yes

0

0.00

4

0.28

0.110

No

907

100.0

1419

99.72

  Bladder

Yes

1

0.11

1

0.07

0.748

No

906

99.89

1422

99.93

  Nerve

Yes

9

0.99

1

0.07

<0.001

No

898

99.01

1422

99.93

Postoperative complication

 Total

Yes

33

3.64

82

5.76

0.021

No

874

96.36

1341

94.24

 Bleeding

Yes

17

1.87

45

3.16

0.060

No

890

98.13

1378

96.84

 Seroma

Yes

14

1.54

30

2.11

0.329

No

893

98.46

1393

97.89

 Infection

Yes

0

0.00

3

0.21

0.166

No

907

100.0

1420

99.79

 Wound healing disorders

Yes

4

0.44

7

0.49

0.861

No

903

99.56

1416

99.51

Reoperation

Yes

9

0.99

30

2.11

0.041

No

898

99.01

1393

97.89

Recurrence on follow-up

Yes

10

1.10

37

2.60

0.012

No

897

98.90

1386

97.40

Pain in rest on follow-up

Yes

78

8.60

77

5.41

0.003

No

829

91.40

1346

94.59

Pain on exertion on follow-up

Yes

136

14.99

145

10.19

<0.001

No

771

85.01

1278

89.81

Pain requiring treatment on follow-up

Yes

40

4.41

50

3.51

0.274

No

867

95.59

1373

96.49

For multivariable analysis of the intraoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and re-recurrences, it was not possible to calculate a valid model since the number of positive cases was too small. Univariable analysis of chronic pain requiring treatment did not detect any difference for repair as per the guidelines; therefore, no multivariable model was calculated.

The multivariable analysis results of variables influencing onset of postoperative complications are given in Table 18 (model matching: p = 0.002).
Table 18

Multivariable analysis of postoperative complications in patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

Age (10-year OR)

0.003

 

1.275

1.085

1.498

Risk factor

0.118

Yes versus no

1.390

0.919

2.102

Guidelines

0.155

Yes versus no

0.734

0.479

1.124

EHS-classification lateral

0.165

Yes versus no

0.654

0.359

1.191

Defect size

0.181

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.718

0.420

1.225

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

1.053

0.600

1.848

EHS-classification medial

0.225

Yes versus no

0.685

0.372

1.262

BMI (five-point OR)

0.392

 

0.880

0.656

1.180

ASA score

0.434

II versus I

0.742

0.439

1.256

III/IV versus I

0.913

0.470

1.775

EHS-classification femoral

0.935

Yes versus no

0.950

0.276

3.275

EHS-classification scrotal

0.975

Yes versus no

0.985

0.371

2.612

The postoperative complications were only affected by age, with older patients (10-year OR 1.275 [1.085; 1.498]; p = 0.003) having a higher risk of postoperative complications. There was no evidence that repair as per the guidelines impacted the postoperative complications.

The multivariable analysis results for pain at rest are presented in Table 19 (model matching: p < 0.001). Here, the hernia defect size proved to be the strongest influence factor (p = 0.006). A larger recurrent hernia (II vs I: OR 0.521 [0.346; 0.786]; III vs I: OR 0.560 [0.352; 0.892]) reduced the risk of pain at rest.
Table 19

Multivariable analysis of pain at rest in patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

Defect size

0.006

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.521

0.346

0.786

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.560

0.352

0.892

Guidelines

0.016

Yes versus no

1.508

1.079

2.107

BMI (five-point OR)

0.019

 

1.295

1.043

1.609

Age (10-year OR)

0.110

 

0.902

0.795

1.023

EHS-classification femoral

0.164

Yes versus no

0.238

0.032

1.798

EHS-classification lateral

0.243

Yes versus no

0.716

0.409

1.254

EHS-classification medial

0.352

Yes versus no

0.761

0.428

1.353

ASA score

0.490

II versus I

0.829

0.556

1.236

III/IV versus I

0.697

0.375

1.295

Risk factor

0.528

Yes versus no

1.126

0.779

1.628

EHS-classification scrotal

0.756

Yes versus no

0.839

0.276

2.545

Likewise, repair as per the guidelines (p = 0.016) and BMI (p = 0.019) had a significant influence on pain at rest. Repair as per the guidelines (OR 1.508 [1.079; 2.107]) as well as a five-point higher BMI (five-point OR 1.295 [1.043; 1.609]) increased the risk of pain at rest.

Another descriptive analysis revealed that the increased risk of pain at rest was attributed primarily to the small-sized (<1.5 cm) and medium-sized (1.5–3 cm) hernias (Table 20).
Table 20

Correlation of the defect size, compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines and pain in rest on follow-up in patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair

  

Defect size

All

I (<1.5 cm)

II (1.5–3 cm)

III (>3 cm)

N

%

N

%

N

%

N

%

Guidelines

Pain in rest on follow-up

        

 No

No

217

90.4

685

96.3

444

94.1

1346

94.6

Yes

23

9.6

26

3.7

28

5.9

77

5.4

 Yes

No

135

87.7

455

91.4

239

93.7

829

91.4

Yes

19

12.3

43

8.6

16

6.3

78

8.6

The multivariable analysis results for pain on exertion are illustrated in Table 21 (model matching: p < 0.001). These were significantly influenced by the hernia defect size (p = 0.002), repair as per the guidelines (p = 0.010), BMI (p = 0.023), age (p = 0.027) and scrotal EHS classification (p = 0.036). A higher age (10-year OR 0.897 [0.814; 0.988]), larger hernias (II vs I: OR 0.654 [0.475; 0.901]; III vs I: OR 0.517 [0.335; 0.754]) as well as scrotal EHS classification (OR 0.211 [0.049; 0.900]) reduced the risk of pain on exertion. Conversely, there was a higher risk of pain for repair as per the guidelines (OR 1.401 [1.084; 1.810]) and for a five-point larger BMI (five-point OR 1.224 [1.029; 1.456]). Likewise, for pain on exertion the risk was attributable, in particular, to small-sized (<1.5 cm) and medium-sized (1.5–3 cm) recurrent hernias (Table 22).
Table 21

Multivariable analysis of pain on exertion in patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair

Parameter

p value

Category

OR estimate

95% CI

Defect size

0.002

II (1.5–3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.654

0.475

0.901

III (>3 cm) versus I (<1.5 cm)

0.517

0.355

0.754

Guidelines

0.010

Yes versus no

1.401

1.084

1.810

BMI (five-point OR)

0.023

 

1.224

1.029

1.456

Age (10-year OR)

0.027

 

0.897

0.814

0.988

EHS-classification scrotal

0.036

Yes versus no

0.211

0.049

0.900

EHS-classification lateral

0.054

Yes versus no

0.653

0.423

1.007

Risk factor

0.241

Yes versus no

1.182

0.894

1.563

EHS-classification femoral

0.247

Yes versus no

0.531

0.182

1.551

EHS-classification medial

0.292

Yes versus no

0.787

0.504

1.229

ASA score

0.715

II versus I

1.054

0.769

1.446

III/IV versus I

0.905

0.563

1.453

Table 22

Correlation of the defect size, compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines and pain on exertion on follow-up in patients with open unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair

 

Defect size

All

I (<1.5 cm)

II (1.5–3 cm)

III (>3 cm)

N

%

N

%

N

%

N

%

Guidelines

Pain on exertion on follow-up

        

 No

No

204

85.0

644

90.6

430

91.1

1278

89.8

Yes

36

15.0

67

9.4

42

8.9

145

10.2

 Yes

No

121

78.6

421

84.5

229

89.8

771

85.0

Yes

33

21.4

77

15.5

26

10.2

136

15.0

Discussion

1. The present analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry [29] first investigated to what extent participants in the Herniamed Hernia Registry [29] complied with the recommendations set out in the guidelines of the European Hernia Society (EHS). This revealed that laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair was used in 61.6% of cases following previous open suture repair and in 28.9% cases following open mesh repair as well as in 9.4% of cases following previous laparo-endoscopic operations. Hence, more than 90% of laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair procedures were performed in accordance with the EHS guidelines. Only 9.4% did not comply with the guidelines.

Matters were different for open recurrent repair. Only 38.5% of open recurrent repair operations were conducted following primary laparo-endoscopic repair. 43.4% of open recurrent repair procedures were performed following previous open suture repair and 17.7% following previous open mesh repair. As such, more than 60% of open recurrent operations did not comply with the recommendations of the guidelines. Already Richards et al. [13] and Richards and Earnshaw [28] pointed out that surgeons using predominantly open hernia surgery techniques also use predominantly open surgery for recurrent repair. It appears that the guidelines, which were first published in 2009 [23], have not changed that scenario. Further high-quality studies are needed to demonstrate that repair as per the guidelines really does achieve a better outcome for patients. Only when convincing evidence based on high-quality trials is available can greater acceptance of the guidelines be expected. Since to date no such studies have been carried out, it is no surprise that surgeons have called upon their own expertise when deciding on the surgical technique used to treat patients with recurrent inguinal hernia. Guidelines always only reflect the current state of knowledge gained from the studies reported in the scientific literature. If new published data are added, the recommendations may also change. Mere deviation from a guideline is unlikely to be considered as malpractice in litigation, unless the practice concerned is so well established that no responsible surgeon would fail to adhere to it [31].

2. To date, no study has compared the outcomes of recurrent inguinal hernia repair carried out in compliance with the guidelines. Therefore, the present analysis of Herniamed data [29] compared laparo-endoscopic with open recurrent repair performed as per the guidelines. No significant difference was identified between laparo-endoscopic and open techniques performed as per the guidelines in terms of the overall intraoperative complication rate, postoperative complication rate, complication-related reoperation rate, recurrence rate and rate of chronic pain requiring treatment. However, with regard to the intraoperative complications open recurrent repair was associated with significantly more nerve injuries as well as more pain at rest and pain on exertion on 1-year follow-up.

Multivariable analysis confirmed that laparo-endoscopic repair had a significant impact on pain at rest and pain on exertion, and was associated with a lower pain rate compared with open recurrent repair. Even on compliance with the guidelines, a significantly higher rate of pain at rest and pain on exertion must be expected when open repair is used following previous laparo-endoscopic operations compared with laparo-endoscopic repair after previous open repair. Therefore, such recurrent repair operations should be performed by surgeons who are highly experienced in the respective technique. Therefore, despite observance of the guidelines, higher rates of pain at rest and pain on exertion must be expected on using open recurrent repair following primary laparo-endoscopic repair than when using laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair following primary open repair.

3. In particular, since a large number of open (61.1%) and also a smaller number of laparo-endoscopic (9.4%) recurrent repair procedures were not performed in accordance with the recommendations of the guidelines, the question arises as to how the outcomes compare with the respective repair procedures carried out in compliance with the guidelines.

If recurrent repair is conducted as per the guidelines, laparo-endoscopic repair is associated with fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications and with a lower re-recurrence rate. No difference was found for the pain rates. Multivariable analysis demonstrated especially for the postoperative complications the impact of repair as per the guidelines.

Comparison of open recurrent repair conducted on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines revealed fewer postoperative complications and complication-related reoperation rates as well as a lower re-recurrence rate following repair as per the guidelines. On the other hand, the risk of pain at rest and on exertion was higher on compliance with the guidelines. Multivariable analysis revealed that the postoperative complications were only affected by age but not by the use of a repair procedure in accordance with the guidelines. Matters were different for pain at rest and pain on exertion. For the latter, multivariable analysis confirmed that repair as per the guidelines exerted a significantly negative effect on onset of pain at rest and pain on exertion. However, multivariable analysis as well as an additional analysis demonstrated that a small defect size had the greatest impact on the risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion. Likewise, a higher BMI negatively impacted the risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion. Although recommended in the guidelines, patients with a small defect size and a higher BMI have a higher risk of pain at rest and exertion following open repair of a recurrence after a previous laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Therefore, sufficient diagnostic work-up of a small recurrence as cause of groin pain is mandatory.

In summary, it can be stated that in the Herniamed Registry (1) 90% of the laparo-endoscopic and only 40% of open recurrent inguinal hernia repair operations are carried out in accordance with the EHS guidelines; (2) comparison of laparo-endoscopic with open recurrent repair conducted in accordance with the guidelines demonstrated that open recurrent repair as per the guidelines was associated with a higher risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion on 1-year follow-up; and (3) finally, comparison of recurrent repair procedures on compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines showed that both laparo-endoscopic and open repair operations that did not comply with the guidelines presented a higher risk of perioperative complications and re-recurrences. As such, the recommendations set out in the EHS guidelines should be implemented, but considering the specific circumstances of a given patient.

Notes

Acknowledgements

Ferdinand Köckerling has got grants to fund the Herniamed Registry from Johnson and Johnson, Norderstedt, Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, pfm medical, Cologne, Dahlhausen, Cologne, B Braun, Tuttlingen, MenkeMed, Munich, Bard, Karlsruhe and Resorba Medical GmbH, Nuremberg.

Herniamed Study Group

Scientific Board Köckerling, Ferdinand (Chairman) (Berlin); Bittner, Reinhard (Rottenburg); Fortelny, René (Wien); Jacob, Dietmar (Berlin); Koch, Andreas (Cottbus); Kraft, Barbara (Stuttgart); Kuthe, Andreas (Hannover); Lippert, Hans (Magdeburg): Lorenz, Ralph (Berlin); Mayer, Franz (Salzburg); Moesta, Kurt Thomas (Hannover); Niebuhr, Henning (Hamburg); Peiper, Christian (Hamm); Pross, Matthias (Berlin); Reinpold, Wolfgang (Hamburg); Simon, Thomas (Weinheim); Stechemesser, Bernd (Köln); Unger, Solveig (Chemnitz). Participants Ahmetov, Azat (Saint-Petersburg); Alapatt, Terence Francis (Frankfurt/Main); Albayrak, Nurettin (Herne); Amann, Stefan (Neuendettelsau); Anders, Stefan (Berlin); Anderson, Jürina (Würzburg); Antoine, Dirk (Leverkusen); Arndt, Anatoli (Elmshorn); Asperger, Walter (Halle); Avram, Iulian (Saarbrücken); Baikoglu-Endres, Corc (Weißenburg i. Bay.); Bandowsky, Boris (Damme); Barkus; Jörg (Velbert); Becker, Matthias (Freital); Behrend, Matthias (Deggendorf); Beuleke, Andrea (Burgwedel); Berger, Dieter (Baden-Baden); Birk, Dieter (Bietigheim-Bissingen); Bittner, Reinhard (Rottenburg); Blaha, Pavel (Zwiesel); Blumberg, Claus (Lübeck); Böckmann, Ulrich (Papenburg); Böhle, Arnd Steffen (Bremen); Bolle, Ludger (Berlin); Borchert, Erika (Grevenbroich); Born, Henry (Leipzig); Brabender, Jan (Köln); Breitenbuch von, Philipp (Radebeul); Brož, Miroslav (Ebersbach); Brütting, Alfred (Erlangen); Buchert, Annette (Mallersdorf-Pfaffenberg); Budzier, Eckhard (Meldorf); Burchett, Bert (Waren); Burghardt, Jens (Rüdersdorf); Cejnar, Stephan-Alexander (München); Chirikov, Ruslan (Dorsten); Claußnitzer, Christian (Ulm); Comman, Andreas (Bogen); Crescenti, Fabio (Verden/Aller); Daniels, Thies (Hamburg); Dapunt, Emanuela (Bruneck); Decker, Georg (Berlin); Demmel, Michael (Arnsberg); Descloux, Alexandre (Baden); Deusch, Klaus-Peter (Wiesbaden); Dick, Marcus (Neumünster); Dieterich, Klaus (Ditzingen); Dietz, Harald (Landshut); Dittmann, Michael (Northeim); Drummer, Bernhard (Forchheim); Eckermann, Oliver (Luckenwalde); Eckhoff, Jörn/Hamburg); Ehmann, Frank (Grünstadt); Eisenkrein, Alexander (Düren); Elger, Karlheinz (Germersheim); Engelhardt, Thomas (Erfurt); Erichsen, Axel (Friedrichshafen); Eucker, Dietmar (Bruderholz); Fackeldey, Volker (Kitzingen); Farke, Stefan (Delmenhorst); Faust, Hendrik (Emden); Federmann, Georg (Seehausen); Feichter, Albert (Wien); Fiedler, Michael (Eisenberg); Fikatas, Panagiotis (Berlin); Firl, Michaela (Perleberg); Fischer, Ines (Wiener Neustadt); Fleischer, Sabine (Dinslaken); Fortelny, René H. (Wien); Franczak, Andreas (Wien); Franke, Claus (Düsseldorf); Frankenberg von, Moritz (Salem); Frehner, Wolfgang (Ottobeuren); Friedhoff, Klaus (Andernach); Friedrich, Jürgen (Essen); Frings, Wolfram (Bonn); Fritsche, Ralf (Darmstadt); Frommhold, Klaus (Coesfeld); Frunder, Albrecht (Tübingen); Fuhrer, Günther (Reutlingen); Gassler, Harald (Villach); Gawad, Karim A. Frankfurt/Main); Gehrig, Tobias (Sinsheim); Gerdes, Martin (Ostercappeln); Germanov, German (Halberstadt; Gilg, Kai-Uwe (Hartmannsdorf); Glaubitz, Martin (Neumünster); Glauner-Goldschmidt, Kerstin (Werne); Glutig, Holger (Meissen); Gmeiner, Dietmar (Bad Dürrnberg); Göring, Herbert (München); Grebe, Werner (Rheda-Wiedenbrück); Grothe, Dirk (Melle); Gürtler, Thomas (Zürich); Hache, Helmer (Löbau); Hämmerle, Alexander (Bad Pyrmont); Haffner, Eugen (Hamm); Hain, Hans-Jürgen (Gross-Umstadt); Hammans, Sebastian (Lingen); Hampe, Carsten (Garbsen); Hanke, Stefan (Halle); Harrer, Petra (Starnberg); Hartung, Peter (Werne); Heinzmann, Bernd (Magdeburg); Heise, Joachim Wilfried (Stolberg); Heitland, Tim (München); Helbling, Christian (Rapperswil); Hempen, Hans-Günther (Cloppenburg); Henneking, Klaus-Wilhelm (Bayreuth); Hennes, Norbert (Duisburg); Hermes, Wolfgang (Weyhe); Herrgesell, Holger (Berlin); Herzing, Holger Höchstadt); Hessler, Christian (Bingen); Heuer, Matthias (Herten); Hildebrand, Christiaan (Langenfeld); Höferlin, Andreas (Mainz); Hoffmann, Henry (Basel); Hoffmann, Michael (Kassel); Hofmann, Eva M. (Frankfurt/Main); Hornung, Frederic (Wolfratshausen); Hügel, Omar (Hannover); Hüttemann, Martin (Oberhausen); Hunkeler, Rolf (Zürich); Imdahl, Andreas (Heidenheim); Isemer, Friedrich-Eckart (Wiesbaden); Jablonski, Herbert Gustav (Sögel); Jacob, Dietmar (Berlin); Jansen-Winkeln, Boris (Leipzig); Jantschulev, Methodi (Waren); Jenert, Burghard (Lichtenstein); Jugenheimer, Michael (Herrenberg); Junger, Marc (München); Kaaden, Stephan (Neustadt am Rübenberge); Käs, Stephan (Weiden); Kahraman, Orhan (Hamburg); Kaiser, Christian (Westerstede); Kaiser, Gernot Maximilian (Kamp-Lintfort); Kaiser, Stefan (Kleinmachnow); Kapischke, Matthias (Hamburg); Karch, Matthias (Eichstätt); Kasparek, Michael S. (München); Keck, Heinrich (Wolfenbüttel); Keller, Hans W. (Bonn); Kienzle, Ulrich (Karlsruhe); Kipfmüller, Brigitte (Köthen); Kirsch, Ulrike (Oranienburg); Klammer, Frank (Ahlen); Klatt, Richard (Hagen); Klein, Karl-Hermann (Burbach); Kleist, Sven (Berlin); Klobusicky, Pavol (Bad Kissingen); Kneifel, Thomas (Datteln); Knoop, Michael (Frankfurt/Oder); Knotter, Bianca (Mannheim); Koch, Andreas (Cottbus); Koch, Andreas (Münster); Köckerling, Ferdinand (Berlin); Köhler, Gernot (Linz); König, Oliver (Buchholz); Kornblum, Hans (Tübingen); Krämer, Dirk (Bad Zwischenahn); Kraft, Barbara (Stuttgart); Kratsch, Barthel (Dierdorf/Selters); Kreissl, Peter (Ebersberg); Krones, Carsten Johannes (Aachen); Kronhardt, Heinrich (Neustadt am Rübenberge); Kruse, Christinan (Aschaffenburg); Kube, Rainer (Cottbus); Kühlberg, Thomas (Berlin); Kühn, Gert (Freiberg); Kuhn, Roger (Gifhorn); Kusch, Eduard (Gütersloh); Kuthe, Andreas (Hannover); Ladberg, Ralf (Bremen); Ladra, Jürgen (Düren); Lahr-Eigen, Rolf (Potsdam); Lainka, Martin (Wattenscheid); Lammers, Bernhard J. (Neuss); Lancee, Steffen (Alsfeld); Lange, Claas (Berlin); Langer, Claus (Göttingen); Laps, Rainer (Ehringshausen); Larusson, Hannes Jon (Pinneberg); Lauschke, Holger (Duisburg); Leher, Markus (Schärding); Leidl, Stefan (Waidhofen/Ybbs); Lenz, Stefan (Berlin); Liedke, Marc Olaf (Heide); Lienert, Mark (Duisburg); Limberger, Andreas (Schrobenhausen); Limmer, Stefan (Würzburg); Locher, Martin (Kiel); Loghmanieh, Siawasch (Viersen); Lorenz, Ralph (Berlin); Luther, Stefan (Wipperfürth); Luyken, Walter (Sulzbach-Rosenberg); Mallmann, Bernhard (Krefeld); Manger, Regina (Schwabmünchen); Maurer, Stephan (Münster); May, Jens Peter (Schönebeck); Mayer, Franz (Salzburg); Mayer, Jens (Schwäbisch Gmünd); Mellert, Joachim (Höxter); Menzel, Ingo (Weimar); Meurer, Kirsten (Bochum); Meyer, Moritz (Ahaus); Mirow, Lutz (Kirchberg); Mittag-Bonsch, Martina (Crailsheim); Mittenzwey, Hans-Joachim (Berlin); Möbius, Ekkehard (Braunschweig); Mörder-Köttgen, Anja (Freiburg); Moesta, Kurt Thomas (Hannover); Moldenhauer, Ingolf (Braunschweig); Morkramer, Rolf (Xanten); Mosa, Tawfik (Merseburg); Müller, Hannes (Schlanders); Münzberg, Gregor (Berlin); Murr, Alfons (Vilshofen); Mussack, Thomas (St. Gallen); Nartschik, Peter (Quedlinburg); Nasifoglu, Bernd (Ehingen); Neumann, Jürgen (Haan); Neumeuer, Kai (Paderborn); Niebuhr, Henning (Hamburg); Nix, Carsten (Walsrode); Nölling, Anke (Burbach); Nostitz, Friedrich Zoltán (Mühlhausen); Obermaier, Straubing); Öz-Schmidt, Meryem (Hanau); Oldorf, Peter (Usingen); Olivieri, Manuel (Pforzheim); Passon, Marius (Freudenberg); Pawelzik, Marek (Hamburg); Pein, Tobias (Hameln); Peiper, Christian (Hamm); Peiper, Matthias (Essen); Peitgen, Klaus (Bottrop); Pertl, Alexander (Spittal/Drau); Philipp, Mark (Rostock); Pickart, Lutz (Bad Langensalza); Pizzera, Christian (Graz); Pöllath, Martin (Sulzbach-Rosenberg); Possin, Ulrich (Laatzen); Prenzel, Klaus (Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler); Pröve, Florian (Goslar); Pronnet, Thomas (Fürstenfeldbruck); Pross, Matthias (Berlin); Puff, Johannes (Dinkelsbühl); Rabl, Anton (Passau); Raggi, Matthias Claudius (Stuttgart); Rapp, Martin (Neunkirchen); Reck, Thomas (Püttlingen); Reinpold, Wolfgang (Hamburg); Reuter, Christoph (Quakenbrück); Richter, Jörg (Winnenden); Riemann, Kerstin (Alzenau-Wasserlos); Rodehorst, Anette (Otterndorf); Roehr, Thomas (Rödental); Rössler, Michael (Rüdesheim am Rhein); Roncossek, Bremerhaven); Rosniatowski, Rolland (Marburg); Roth Hartmut (Nürnberg); Sardoschau, Nihad (Saarbrücken); Sauer, Gottfried (Rüsselsheim); Sauer, Jörg (Arnsberg); Seekamp, Axel (Freiburg); Seelig, Matthias (Bad Soden); Seidel, Hanka (Eschweiler); Seiler, Christoph Michael (Warendorf); Seltmann, Cornelia (Hachenburg); Senkal, Metin (Witten); Shamiyeh, Andreas (Linz); Shang, Edward (München); Siemssen, Björn (Berlin); Sievers, Dörte (Hamburg); Silbernik, Daniel (Bonn); Simon, Thomas (Weinheim); Sinn, Daniel (Olpe); Sinner, Guy (Merzig); Sinning, Frank (Nürnberg); Smaxwil, Constatin Aurel (Stuttgart); Sörensen, Björn (Lauf an der Pegnitz); Syga, Günter (Bayreuth); Schabel, Volker (Kirchheim/Teck); Schadd, Peter (Euskirchen); Schassen von, Christian (Hamburg); Scheidbach, Hubert (Neustadt/Saale); Schelp, Lothar (Wuppertal); Scherf, Alexander (Pforzheim); Scheuerlein, Hubert (Paderborn); Scheyer, Mathias (Bludenz); Schilling, André (Kamen); Schimmelpenning, Hendrik (Neustadt in Holstein); Schinkel, Svenja (Kempten); Schmid, Michael (Gera); Schmid, Thomas (Innsbruck); Schmidt, Ulf (Mechernich); Schmitz, Heiner (Jena); Schmitz, Ronald (Altenburg); Schöche, Jan (Borna); Schoenen, Detlef (Schwandorf); Schrittwieser, Rudolf/Bruck an der Mur); Schroll, Andreas (München); Schubert, Daniel (Saarbrücken); Schüder, Gerhard (Wertheim); Schultz, Christian (Bremen-Lesum); Schultz, Harald (Landstuhl); Schulze, Frank P. Mülheim an der Ruhr); Schulze, Thomas (Dessau-Roßlau); Schumacher, Franz-Josef (Oberhausen); Schwab, Robert (Koblenz); Schwandner, Thilo (Lich); Schwarz, Jochen Günter (Rottenburg); Schymatzek, Ulrich (Eitorf); Spangenberger, Wolfgang (Bergisch-Gladbach); Sperling, Peter (Montabaur); Staade, Katja (Düsseldorf); Staib, Ludger (Esslingen); Staikov, Plamen (Frankfurt am Main); Stamm, Ingrid (Heppenheim); Stark, Wolfgang (Roth); Stechemesser, Bernd (Köln); Steinhilper, Uz (München); Stengl, Wolfgang (Nürnberg); Stern, Oliver (Hamburg); Stöltzing, Oliver (Meißen); Stolte, Thomas (Mannheim); Stopinski, Jürgen (Schwalmstadt); Stratmann, Gerald (Goch); Stubbe, Hendrik (Güstrow/); Stülzebach, Carsten (Friedrichroda); Tepel, Jürgen (Osnabrück); Terzić, Alexander (Wildeshausen); Teske, Ulrich (Essen); Tichomirow, Alexej (Brühl); Tillenburg, Wolfgang (Marktheidenfeld); Timmermann, Wolfgang (Hagen); Tomov, Tsvetomir (Koblenz; Train, Stefan H. (Gronau); Trauzettel, Uwe (Plettenberg); Triechelt, Uwe (Langenhagen); Ulbricht, Wolfgang (Breitenbrunn); Ulcar, Heimo (Schwarzach im Pongau); Unger, Solveig (Chemnitz); Verweel, Rainer (Hürth); Vogel, Ulrike (Berlin); Voigt, Rigo (Altenburg); Voit, Gerhard (Fürth); Volkers, Hans-Uwe (Norden); Volmer, Ulla (Berlin); Vossough, Alexander (Neuss); Wallasch, Andreas (Menden); Wallner, Axel (Lüdinghausen); Warscher, Manfred (Lienz); Warwas, Markus (Bonn); Weber, Jörg (Köln); Weber, Uwe (Eggenfelden); Weihrauch, Thomas (Ilmenau); Weiß, Johannes (Schwetzingen); Weißenbach, Peter (Neunkirchen); Werner, Uwe (Lübbecke-Rahden); Wessel, Ina (Duisburg); Weyhe, Dirk (Oldenburg); Wieber, Isabell (Köln); Wiesmann, Aloys (Rheine); Wiesner, Ingo (Halle); Withöft, Detlef (Neutraubling); Woehe, Fritz (Sanderhausen); Wolf, Claudio (Neuwied); Wolkersdörfer, Toralf (Pößneck); Yaksan, Arif (Wermeskirchen); Yildirim, Can (Lilienthal); Yildirim, Selcuk (Berlin); Zarras, Konstantinos (Düsseldorf); Zeller, Johannes (Waldshut-Tiengen); Zhorzel, Sven (Agatharied); Zuz, Gerhard (Leipzig).

Compliance with ethical standards

Disclosures

F. Köckerling, R. Bittner, A. Kuthe, B. Stechemesser, R. Lorenz, A. Koch, W. Reinpold, H. Niebuhr, M. Hukauf and C. Schug-Pass have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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© The Author(s) 2016

Open AccessThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Authors and Affiliations

  • F. Köckerling
    • 1
  • R. Bittner
    • 2
  • A. Kuthe
    • 3
  • B. Stechemesser
    • 4
  • R. Lorenz
    • 5
  • A. Koch
    • 6
  • W. Reinpold
    • 7
  • H. Niebuhr
    • 8
  • M. Hukauf
    • 9
  • C. Schug-Pass
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Surgery and Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Academic Teaching Hospital of Charité Medical SchoolVivantes HospitalBerlinGermany
  2. 2.Hernia CenterWinghofer MedicumRottenburg am NeckarGermany
  3. 3.Department of General and Visceral SurgeryGerman Red Cross HospitalHannoverGermany
  4. 4.Hernia Center ColognePAN – HospitalCologneGermany
  5. 5.3SurgeonsBerlinGermany
  6. 6.Hernia Center CottbusCottbusGermany
  7. 7.Department of Surgery and Hernia CenterWilhelmsburg Hospital Gross-SandHamburgGermany
  8. 8.Hanse-Hernia CenterHamburgGermany
  9. 9.StatConsult GmbHMagdeburgGermany

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