Background: Over the last decade, the field of hernia surgery got a new transformation, with exponential growth in mesh technology. Laparoscopic hernia repair has remained a contentious issue since its inception. Though a variety of procedures performed; none can be termed as an ideal procedure as each one is accompanied by varied early and late complications. The most scientific way to conclude the superiority of one method over others is evidence-based medicine. Hence, we have conducted a study in our institute, to compare Lichtenstein tension-free open hernioplasty with Transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair (TAPP) comparing the intraoperative and early postoperative complications.
Methods: Our study was a single-centre, prospective comparative study conducted on sixty-one patients, over a period of 2 years from August 2018 to August 2020. All the cases included in the study were uncomplicated inguinal hernias. A detailed history of the symptoms, thorough clinical examination and investigations were done, which were analysed.
Results: Most of the patients presented in the 5th decade. Male to female ratio of incidence of inguinal hernia was 11.2:1. Majority of the patients presented with unilateral hernia with right inguinal hernia being the most frequent presentation. The mean duration of surgery for TAPP is more when compared to Lichtenstein operation. The mean duration of hospital stay for open hernioplasty is more when compared to the laparoscopic hernia repair. TAPP is associated with lesser complications when compared to Lichtenstein's hernioplasty. Seroma, hematoma, and wound infection were the common complications noted.
Conclusion: TAPP repair is a better procedure when compared to Lichtenstein operation in terms of hospital stay, post- operative recovery, intra-operative and post-operative complications.
Is the open approach superior to the laparoscopic hernia repair in children? A retrospective comparative study
