A Comparative Study between Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair and Open Lichtenstein Mesh Repair

Abstract
Background: This prospective study was conducted in a university hospital for comparing the results of two different techniques for surgical repair of inguinal hernia: Open mesh repair and laparoscopic mesh repair to detect the effectiveness of each operation and complications if any.
Aim of Study: The aim of this work is to compare the results of mesh repair of inguinal hernia by open technique and by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP).
Patients and Methods: The study included 92 cases of an inguinal hernia. They were selected by nonprobability sampling method. These cases were operated at Al Hussein University Hospital between January 2016 to September 2018. Inclusion criteria included patients with uncomplicated hernia. The age/sex, incidence, BMI, mode of presentation, co-morbidities, operative time, postoperative complications, pain and return to work were all evaluated and compared with many of standard published literature.
Results: Postoperative wound infection developed in 6 cases of open hernioplasty and 1 case in laparoscopic surgery. Seroma at the operated site were found in 5 cases of open hernioplasty. The return to normal daily activity was 21 days after open technique compared to 13 days in TAPP. The mean duration of procedure was 59.5min in open surgery while it was 99min in laparoscopic group.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernioplasty has a comparable result with an open procedure which should be considered in the surgical treatment of inguinal hernia.