Abstract

Introduction: With the increase in global life expectancy, more elderly patients are being treated in outpatient clinics of hospitals. Morbidity and mortality rates are higher in elderly patients than in non-elderly patients after laparoscopic surgery because of the high incidence of comorbidities, such as cardiac, pulmonary and renal disease, and decreased performance. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of total extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia repair between elderly and non-elderly patients.

Materials and Methods: Between March 2012 and January 2019, 210 patients underwent laparoscopy for inguinal hernia repair. Patients were categorised into two groups based on age: group 1 (< 65 years) and group 2 ( ≥ 65 years). Demographic data and surgical outcomes of patients were retrospectively analysed from hospital records.

Results: In total, 108 (51.4%) patients in group 1 and 102 (48.6%) patients in group 2 with mean ages of 46.5 and 70.8 years, respectively, underwent surgery. Thirty six patients in group 1 and 102 patients in group 2 had comorbidities. The incidences of postoperative complications were eight (7.4%) and three (2.9%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 28.4 and 26.7 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Although three cases of recurring hernia were identified in group 1, one was reported in group 2.

Conclusion: Although morbidity and mortality are higher in elderly patients, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair can be performed safely.