Morbidity and mortality of inguinal hernia surgery in patients aged 80 years or older.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse morbidity, mortality, and outcomes of inguinal hernia surgery in patients aged 80 years or older. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted including patients aged ≥80 years who underwent inguinal hernia repair at a tertiary referral centre between April 2021 and April 2024. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were analysed, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications, mortality, follow-up, and hernia recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included, accounting for 113 inguinal hernias. Mean age was 84 ± 3.2 years, and 76% of patients were male. Most procedures were performed electively (80.8%). Open mesh hernioplasty was the most frequently used technique (95.6%). Intraoperative complications occurred in 3.8% of cases, and mild postoperative complications were observed in 13.5%, with haematoma being the most common. No reoperations or postoperative mortality were recorded. Mean hospital stay was 1.55 days. During follow-up, two hernia recurrences and four de novo contralateral inguinal hernias were identified. CONCLUSION: Inguinal hernia surgery in patients aged 80 years or older is associated with low morbidity and mortality when performed electively. Advanced age alone should not be considered a contraindication for surgical treatment.