Does radical prostatectomy cause inguinal hernias?
Several investigators have reported that open radical prostatectomy causes inguinal hernias. Smilow Center surgeons have reported that many of these hernias are pre-existing conditions (Lepor H, Robbins D. Urol. Nov; 70(5):961-4 (2007)). Smilow Center surgeons have pioneered imaging studies to improve the detection of these pre-existing hernias (Marien T, Taouli B, Telegrafi S, Babb J, Lepor H, unpublished data). Based on these clinical observations, we routinely recommend a Valsalva inguinal MRI at the time of the prostate MRI and an upright Valsalva inguinal ultrasound. If a pre-existing hernia is present, we recommend repairing it during the radical prostatectomy.
