Non-mesh inguinal hernia repair with early resumption of peritoneal dialysis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Inguinal hernia is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although tension-free mesh repair is a leading option for inguinal hernia repair, concerns over serious mesh-related complications may indicate a role for non-mesh inguinal hernia repair. In addition, there is no consensus on the perioperative dialysis regimen. Early resumption of PD may avoid the additional risks associated with hemodialysis. We report on the outcomes of non-mesh inguinal hernia repair in patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and provide a perioperative dialysis protocol that aims to guide early resumption of PD. Between May 2019 and September 2023, thirty CAPD patients with 43 inguinal hernias who underwent non-mesh inguinal hernia repair were retrospectively analyzed. Data on the patient characteristics, perioperative dialysis regimen, perioperative features, complications, and hernia recurrence were collected and assessed. Thirty patients with a total of 43 inguinal hernia repairs were included in this study. The median age was 53 years. 23 patients were male and 7 were female. Non-mesh inguinal repair was performed for all patients. PD was resumed at a median of 2 days after the surgery. Five patients received interim hemodialysis. There were no postoperative surgical or uremic complications and no recurrence after a median follow-up of 31.5 months. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of non-mesh repair with early resumption of PD in patients on CAPD. Interim HD is unnecessary in selected patients. Choosing the optimal perioperative dialysis regimen is essential to managing inguinal hernias in CAPD patients.