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Published in: Surgical Endoscopy 2/2007

01-02-2007

Successful endoscopic treatment of chronic groin pain in athletes

Authors: R. N. van Veen, P. de Baat, M. P. Heijboer, G. Kazemier, B. J. Punt, R. S. Dwarkasing, H. J. Bonjer, C. H. J. van Eijck

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 2/2007

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Abstract

Background

Chronic groin pain, especially in professional sportsmen, is a difficult clinical problem.

Methods

From January 1999 to August 2005, 55 professional and semiprofessional sportsmen (53 males; mean age, 25 ± 4.5 years; range, 17–36 years) with undiagnosed chronic groin pain were followed prospectively. All the patients underwent an endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh placement.

Results

Incipient hernia was diagnosed in the study athletes: 15 on the right side (27%), 12 on the left side (22%), and 9 bilaterally (16%). In 20 patients (36%), an inguinal hernia was found: 3 direct inguinal hernias (5%) and 17 indirect hernias (31%). All the athletes returned to their normal sports level within 3 months after the operation.

Conclusions

A TEP repair must be proposed to patients with prolonged groin pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. If no clear pathology is identified, reinforcement of the wall using a mesh offers good clinical results for athletes with idiopathic groin pain.
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Metadata
Title
Successful endoscopic treatment of chronic groin pain in athletes
Authors
R. N. van Veen
P. de Baat
M. P. Heijboer
G. Kazemier
B. J. Punt
R. S. Dwarkasing
H. J. Bonjer
C. H. J. van Eijck
Publication date
01-02-2007
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-005-0781-6

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