Indicações Cirúrgicas para Reparação de Hérnia Inguinal em Pacientes Idosos: Uma Revisão Compreensiva

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to review and discuss the surgical indications for inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients, focusing on the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of different surgical approaches. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database to gather relevant studies published up to September 2023. The search terms included "inguinal hernia repair," "elderly patients," "laparoscopic surgery," "open surgery," "safety," "feasibility," and "outcomes." Inclusion criteria were studies published in English that specifically addressed inguinal hernia repair in patients aged 65 years and older, comparing laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. Results: Findings suggest that both laparoscopic and open repairs are viable options for elderly patients, with laparoscopic surgery showing advantages in reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and lower infection rates. However, open surgery remains a popular choice due to its simplicity and widespread familiarity among surgeons. Complications and outcomes varied slightly between techniques, emphasizing the importance of individual patient assessment and surgical expertise. Conclusion: Inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients can be safely and effectively performed using either laparoscopic or open approaches. The choice of technique should be tailored to the patient's overall health, comorbidities, and surgeon's experience. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to solidify guidelines and optimize outcomes for this growing patient population.