Is Minimally Invasive Repair the New Gold Standard for Primary Unilateral Inguinal Hernias? Results of an International Survey of Surgeons

Background: The Lichtenstein repair has long been heralded as the gold standard for unilateral primary inguinal hernias. However, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) repairs have gained popularity over the past decades given its advantages in recurrent, bilateral, and now even in primary inguinal hernias. We aim to further explore the perception of different techniques among surgeons internationally. Methods: A questionnaire was posted in three closed groups for surgeons and residents on Facebook^® and surgical groups on WhatsApp^®. It was also e-mailed to members of the following surgical societies: Mexican Society of Surgery, Brazilian Hernia Society, Asia Pacific Hernia Society, and European Hernia Society. Descriptive and basic comparative statistical analyses were performed. Results: In total, 874 surgeons answered the survey: 759 (86.9%) were male and 418 (47.8%) were from North America, 735 (84.1%) had completed training and 605 (69.2%) considered themselves hernia specialists. If safety profiles of inguinal herniorrhaphy were equal, 533 (61%) would choose MIS. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal ranked first among preferred techniques if the cost of all techniques was the same. Safety of the procedure followed by experience of the surgeon is the most influential factors. Lastly, hernia specialists were more likely to choose an MIS technique (P < .0001). Conclusion: When an international sample of 874 attending and trainee surgeons were surveyed about what technique they would prefer to repair their own uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernia, most chose MIS. Safety of the procedure and the surgeon's experience were the most important factors in choosing a surgical technique.