Laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair: Patient reported outcomes in the elderly from a single centre - A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: With those over 65 making up over 16% of the UK's population, surgeons are counselling increasing numbers of elderly patients for hernia repair. Data is currently lacking comparing different repair methods of inguinal hernias in the elderly population with regards to patient reported outcomes. Aim: To compare open and laparoscopic hernia repair in patients >65 years old and those 65 year olds have retired. We therefore present this interesting insight into patient perceptions following hernia repair by age group. Overall patients over 65 can expect the same high levels of satisfaction and low levels of pain following either technique for inguinal hernia repair as younger patients.