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Published on: August 7, 2018
Laparoscopic hernioplasty versus conventional hernioplasty (Shouldice): results of a prospective randomized trial
D Lorenz1, E Stark, K Oestreich
1Surgical University Clinic Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany. dietmar.lorenz@chir.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
The results of our randomized trial of 176 patients comprising primary hernias [Shouldice versus transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP)] showed only slight advantages for the laparoscopically operated group compared to the conventionally operated group: less subjective pain (significant only on fifth postoperative day, p < 0.05), reduced analgesic requirement (significant only on third postoperative day, p < 0.05), significantly shorter duration of hospitalization (4 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.05) and faster return to work (27 days vs. 34 days, NS). Regarding the incidence of recurrences, there was no significant difference between the groups (two recurrences vs. one recurrence) within a follow-up period of 2 years. Postoperative morbidity was similar and the total cost was less for the TAPP group.
The results of our randomized trial of 176 patients comprising primary hernias [Shouldice versus transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP)] showed only slight advantages for the laparoscopically operated group compared to the conventionally operated group: less subjective pain (significant only on fifth postoperative day, p < 0.05), reduced analgesic requirement (significant only on third postoperative day, p < 0.05), significantly shorter duration of hospitalization (4 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.05) and faster return to work (27 days vs. 34 days, NS). Regarding the incidence of recurrences, there was no significant difference between the groups (two recurrences vs. one recurrence) within a follow-up period of 2 years. Postoperative morbidity was similar and the total cost was less for the TAPP group.

