Trends and predictors of laparoscopic compared with open emergent inguinal hernia repair.

Background: Laparoscopic emergent inguinal hernia repair remains controversial despite studies suggesting it is safe and feasible. Variables associated with laparoscopic compared with open emergent inguinal hernia repair are currently not well described. This study aims to investigate patient characteristics and risk factors associated with laparoscopic emergent inguinal hernia repair.

Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was queried for adult patients (age ≥18 years) who had undergone emergent inguinal hernia repair between 2015 and 2021. The relationships between demographic variables and laparoscopic compared with open emergent inguinal hernia repair were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: A total of 8,215 patients were included in this analysis. Use of laparoscopic emergent inguinal hernia repair increased from 9% in 2015 to 23% in 2021. Female patients (odds ratio, 1.84, P < .001) and patients aged ≤65 years (odds ratio, 1.25, P = .005) were more likely to undergo laparoscopic repair. Black (odds ratio, 0.73, P = .003) and Hispanic (odds ratio, 0.72, P = .006) patients and patients with greater American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (odds ratio, 0.86, P = .037), ascites (odds ratio, 0.39, P = .039), and preoperative dialysis requirement (odds ratio, 0.45, P = .017) were less likely to undergo laparoscopic repair. Aside from a decreased likelihood of readmission in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery (odds ratio, 0.696, P = .024), there was no difference in other postoperative outcomes, despite a laparoscopic approach being associated with greater rates of concomitant procedures compared with an open approach (24% vs 18%, P < .001).

Conclusions: Female sex, younger age, and lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class were associated with a greater likelihood of laparoscopic surgery. Black and Hispanic patients and patients with ascites and dialysis requirements were less likely to undergo laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair can be safely performed in an emergent setting.