• Sergio Susmallian, Tiberiu Ezri, Marina Elis, Robert Warters, Ilan Charuzi, and Michael Muggia-Sullam.
• Department of Surgery B, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. sergio9@bezeqint.net
• Med. Sci. Monit. 2004 Feb 1;10(2):CR52-4.

BackgroundTo evaluate the clinical course of soccer players affected by chronic groin pain, who were referred for laparoscopic inguinal exploration.Material/MethodsThirty-five professional soccer players affected by chronic groin pain and referred for laparoscopic inguinal exploration were included in this prospective, non-randomized study. Prior to surgery, patients were assessed by history, clinical examination, pelvic X-ray, bone scanning with Technetium and ultrasound of the inguinal region. The pre-peritoneal space was visualized with a laparoscope under general anesthesia. A bilateral polypropylene mesh was attached pre-peritoneally. Recorded data included demographics, history, symptoms, surgical findings and postoperative recovery.ResultsAll patients were male. The mean age was 24.3 years. Six patients (17.1%) complained of pain affecting their normal life. A true indirect type I hernia was identified in 4 patients (11.4%). In 28 patients (80%), a wide internal ring and peritoneal dimple were found during the procedure. No clear pathology was found in three patients (8.6%). Thirty-four patients (97.1%) returned to their normal activities after surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic inguinal exploration and repair of "sportsman's hernias" in soccer players was associated with rapid recovery and fast return to full training and activity.

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