Lichtenstein versus transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair for unilateral non recurrent hernia: A multicenter short term randomized comparative study of clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND: The repair of inguinal hernia is still one of the most prevalent surgical procedures done worldwide. Among all repair techniques, open Lichtenstein repair is the most globally conducted. In the past few decades, laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernia repair has increased technical demand. Trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) technique is the main approach, which is featured by less postoperative pain and early recovery. OBJECTIVE: The current work is a short-term study to make a comparison between open Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia as well as laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia (TAPP) for unilateral non recurrent hernia regarding intraoperative, postoperative complications and hospital stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present prospective randomized study recruited 100 male subjects from General Surgery Department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals and Ain Shams university hospitals suffering from oblique inguinal hernia (unilateral non recurrent hernia) with an age above 18 years and good overall health, who were randomized into two groups: Group A: 49 cases were subjected to laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair (TAPP). Group B: 51 cases were subjected to open Lichtenstein repair. RESULTS: This study detected less post-operative pain day 0, day 1, day 7 and 1 month postoperatively. There was no significant difference at 6 months post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Finally, we concluded that TAPP repair for inguinal hernia (unilateral non recurrent hernia) safer with less early post-operative pain. Also, it has fewer complications, with a significantly longer operative time.