Ambulatory inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients. Comparative study of patients over and under 80 years

Abstract

Background: Octogenarians are a demographically growing group. This increase in life expectancy often makes surgeons face older patients with inguinal hernia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the applicability, safety and efficacy of ambulatory inguinal hernia in patients > 80 years, Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective and observational cohort study. Data from all the open inguinal hernia repair procedures performed using the Lichtenstein technique between January 2008 and December 2017 and followed-up after one month were analyzed. These patients were retrospectively compared with similar patients aged 50-79 years who were treated during the same period.
Results: Between 2008 and 2017, 491 patients admitted in the Major Ambulatory Surgery program underwent inguinal hernia repair using the Lichtenstein technique. 133 (27.1%) were > 80 years and 358 (72.9%) were between 50 and 79 years. Overall postoperative morbidity was 9.75% (13.5% in > 80 years and 8.4% in the control group; p = NS). There were no significant differences in unanticipated mortality (3.8% vs. 2.8%un the control group, p = NS).
Conclusion: Ambulatory surgery for open inguinal hernia repair in patients > 80 years is a safe and effective strategy. .