Comparative Study between Lichtenstein Repair and Trans Abdominal Pre Peritoneal Repair of Inguinal Hernia (TAPP)

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most widely performed surgical procedure. Among the techniques used, the open Lichtenstein repair is still the most widely performed. However, in the last decade there has been an increased interest in the laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia repair, mainly represented as the trans-abdominal pre- peritoneal (TAPP) technique. As described in recent studies, TAPP approach entails the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such as less pain and early recovery. Objectives: This study aims to compare between lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia and trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair of inguinal hernia (TAPP) as regard their hospital stay, cost, intra-operative & post-operative complications and short term recurrence. Patients and Methods: Our study was carried out on (50) male patients with inguinal hernia, 25 patients underwent laparoscopic TAPP repair and 25 patients underwent open Lichtenstein repair. We found a highly significant difference of laparoscopic TAPP Repair in decreasing post-operative pain than in open repair. Results: Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed non-significant difference as regards age and sex of the patients. Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed non-significant difference as regards all socio-demographic data. Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed non-significant difference as regards type and side of hernia. Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed; highly significant increase in operative duration in laparoscopic group; compared to open group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference. Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed; highly significant decrease in post-operative pain score and post-operative hospital stay; in laparoscopic group; compared to open group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference. Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed; highly significant decrease in intra-operative complications in laparoscopic group; compared to open group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference. Conclusion: Our study showed that laparoscopic TAPP approach for inguinal hernia repair reduces early post-operative pain. Furthermore, it is related to less complications, although it takes a longer operative time and higher cost.