May 6, 2025
Regmi P, Sah VP, Sah BK, et al. Minimally Invasive Surgery for Acute Groin Hernias: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Surg. 2025:116347.
The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to determine the safety and benefits of minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair (MIS) in patients with acute groin hernia (hernia requiring urgent or emergent repair). The authors noted that available clinical practice guidelines demonstrate a lack of consensus on the value of MIS.
A group of 12 studies of acceptable quality were identified. The data analysis showed that MIS was associated with significantly lower rates of bowel resection and superficial surgical site infection; MIS patients also had significantly shorter lengths of hospital stay.
Other outcomes such as hernia recurrence, deep infection, operative duration and use of prosthetic material were similar for both approaches. The authors concluded that MIS was safe and effective for patients requiring acute groin hernia repair.