Open combined mesh repair is associated with a higher reoperation rate in adolescents.
Surgical Methods of Repair in Adolescents after Groin Hernia Surgery: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
Salim Tamimi et al. · Annals of surgery · 2026
Background
Despite established international guidelines for groin hernia repairs in adults, no current consensus exists regarding the preferred surgical method for adolescents.
Purpose
To investigate surgical methods of repair's impact on reoperation for recurrence in adolescents undergoing groin hernia surgery.
Methods
Aged 15-18 year were included.
n = 1,192 adolescent repairs
Results
open combined mesh repair means a much higher chance of repeat hernia surgery
HR 5.78 (95% CI 1.35 to 24.74)
null 1
1.35
24.74
CI excludes the null - significant
More results
Overall reoperation rate for recurrence were 4.6%, higher in open anterior mesh repairs (3.3%), open tissue suture repairs (6.5%), and open combined anterior/posterior mesh repairs (10.3%) compared to endo-laparoscopic mesh repairs (1.5%).
No patient or hernia-related variables were identified as significant risk-factors for reoperation for recurrence.
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Conclusion
The overall reoperation rate for recurrence was generally favorable across all techniques, with endo-laparoscopic mesh repairs associated with a lower risk, which may offer an advantage in preventing recurrences in adolescents undergoing groin hernia surgery.