PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Mann, C D AU - Sutton, C D AU - Garcea, G AU - Lloyd, D M TI - The inguinal release procedure for groin pain: initial experience in 73 sportsmen/women AID - 10.1136/bjsm.2008.053132 DP - 2009 Aug 01 TA - British Journal of Sports Medicine PG - 579--583 VI - 43 IP - 8 4099 - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/8/579.short 4100 - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/8/579.full SO - Br J Sports Med2009 Aug 01; 43 AB - Objective: To assess the impact of the laparoscopic inguinal release procedure with mesh reinforcement on athletes with groin pain.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Private sector.Patients: Professional and amateur sportsmen/women undergoing the inguinal release for groin pain.Main outcome measurements: Change in patient’s symptoms, functional limitation and time to resuming sporting activity following surgery.Results: 73 sportsmen/women underwent laparoscopic inguinal release in the study period, 37 (51%) of whom were professionals. 95% were male with a median age of 30 years. Following operation, patients returned to light training at a median of 1 week, full training at 3 weeks (professionals—2 weeks) and playing competitively at 4 weeks (professionals—3 weeks). 74% considered themselves match-fit by 4 weeks (84% of professionals). Following surgery, there was a highly significant improvement in frequency of pain, severity of pain and functional limitation in both the whole cohort and professional group. 88% reported a return to full fitness at follow-up, with 73% reporting complete absence of symptoms. 97% of the cohort thought the operation had improved their symptoms.Conclusions: This study shows that the laparoscopic inguinal release procedure may be effective in the treatment of a subgroup of athletes with groin pain.