Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and safety of totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery (TEP) in the treatment of inguinal hernia in elderly patients, and to analyze factors influencing postoperative results.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 42 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent TEP at Thong Nhat Hospital from January 2020 to December 2024. Data were collected from medical records, including clinical characteristics, hernia type, operative time, complications, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of patients was 67.6 ± 5.7 years, and all were male. Bilateral hernia accounted for 38.1%, while Nyhus type II made up 71.4%, and types IIIa and IIIb each 14.3%. The mean operative time was 85.7 ± 16.3 minutes, with no conversion to open surgery. Intraoperative complications occurred in 7.1%, and postoperative complications in 16.6%, mainly minor seroma or hematoma managed conservatively. The mean hospital stay was 3.3 ± 1.2 days. After 12 months of follow-up, recurrence and sensory disturbance were each 2.4%.
Conclusion: TEP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of inguinal hernia in elderly patients, with a low complication rate, rapid recovery, and stable postoperative outcomes when performed by experienced surgical teams.