Comparative study of groin hernia repair

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare results of Lichtenstein repair, laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP), and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of groin hernias.
METHODS: We retrospectively extracted medical records of 127 consecutive male patients operated on for inguinal hernia between June 2014 and June 2019. Patients were grouped according to preferred surgery; Lichtenstein (Group 1), TAPP (Group 2), and TEP (Group 3) repair groups. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), American society of anesthesiologists score, surgery time, post-operative hospital stay, pain score, complications, and recurrence rates were compared.
RESULTS: Mean age was 53.6 (17–86) years. Mean BMI was 24.8 kg/m2. Mean surgery time was 62.0±24.2 (30–150), 71.1±26.9 (40–135), and 76.5±20.9 (35–1 40) min in groups, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 1.3 (1–3), 1.2 (1–4), and 1.3 (1–2) days. Post-operative pain was less in laparoscopic group, especially in TEP repair group (1.0±0.9 [0–4], 0.4±0.8 [0–3], 0.2±0.6 [0–3]; 1 vs. 2 p: 0.005/2 vs. 3 p: 0.000/1 vs. 3 p: 0.001). No major complication was observed and two recurrent hernias were detected after mean 953-day follow-up period.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both open and laparoscopic hernia repair can be performed safely, with a low rate of complications. Post-operative pain is reduced in the laparoscopic group.