Incidence and risk factors of inguinal hernia occurred after radical prostatectomy-comparisons of different approaches.

backgroundTo observe cumulative morbidity of postoperative inguinal hernia (PIH) and identify risk factors associated with its development in patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), laparoscopic prostatectomy (LRP) or robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) operation.

methodsFrom June 2009 to September 2016, 756 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who had undergone RRP, LRP or RALP in our center were included in this study. Patients with PIH were retrospectively investigated in such factors as age, BMI, previous abdominal operations, diabetes mellitus history, hypertension history, prostate volume, previous hernia, operative methods, operative approach, preoperative Gleason, clinical T-stage, PLND situation, operative time, and estimated blood loss. Univariate and multivariate cox hazard regressions analysis were utilized to identify risk factors predisposing to PIH.

resultsA total of 53 of 751(7.1%) patients developed PIH at a median follow-up period of 43 months. PIH rate in RRP was significantly higher compared to LRP and RALP group (RRP: 15.3%, LRP: 6.7%, RALP:1.9%, P = 0.038). Right side (69.8%) and indirect (88.8%) PIH were dominant type in hernia group. Univariate and multivariate cox hazard regressions analysis indicated that age and RRP approach were identified to be implicated to PIH [adjusted hazard ratio7.39(1.18-46.39), 2.93(95% CI 1.47-5.84)].

conclusionsRRP technique and older age, especially patients over 80 years, are associated with higher incidence for PIH development. Appropriate prophylaxis during the operation should be evaluated for those in high-risk.