Inguinal and femoral hernias. Long-term results in a community hospital.

During the period 1967-1976, 938 repairs of inguinal or femoral hernia were performed in adults or children. The patients were followed up for at least five years. Primary inguinal hernia was treated in 558 men. The right:left ratio was 59:41%. The recurrence rate was 8.4%, with slight left-sided predominance. The frequency of recurrence was higher for direct than for indirect hernia. The recurrence rate was dependent more on the surgeon than on the type of operation, though experienced surgeons and surgeons in training achieved similar figures. Femoral hernia showed increased frequency in men previously operated on for inguinal hernia. The series included 118 hernia repairs in children, using inguinal or suprapubic approach. The question of bilateral exploration is discussed. The recurrence rate in boys was 3.8% and postoperative testicular affection was found in 7.5%.