Transurethral Prostatectomy and Inguinal Hernia Repair in a Single Session

Introduction: We aimed at evaluating the outcomes of transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair performed in a single session. Patients and Methods: Fifty-six patients (mean age 68 ± 8.3 years) in whom transurethral prostatectomy was performed combined with an inguinal hernia repair were included into the study. Type of anesthesia, technique of inguinal hernia repair, hospitalization time, and the complications encountered were recorded. Cost comparisons were made using the official price-lists of the Turkish Medical Assocation. All patients were asked whether they were satisfied with the outcome of both operations performed in one session. The data obtained from the patients who underwent both operations in one session were compared with those obtained from 56 patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy only (control group). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test corrected for continuity according to the Yates or the Fisher exact test. Results: The operations were performed in 19 patients under general, in 20 patients under epidural, and in 14 patients under spinal anesthesia. Three patients were given general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia combined. In 6 patients bilateral and in 50 patients unilateral hernia repair was performed. In 11 repairs, polyprolene mesh grafts were utilized; in 2 repairs, a laparoscopic method was used, and in the remaining 49 repairs, one of the conventional techniques (McVay, Bassini, or Shouldice) was employed. There were no significant differences with regard to early and late postoperative complications and satisfaction between study group and control group (p > 0.05). Combined prostatectomy and hernia repair allows approximately 30% cost profit. Conclusions: Performing transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair in one session decreased the number of the operations and anesthesias, hospital stay, and thus health costs and did not cause an increase in operative and postoperative morbidity.