Prospective comparison between laparoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy and open mesh herniorrhaphy

Controversy persists regarding the most effective inguinal hernia repair. The purpose of this study is to compare the complications, charges, patient satisfaction, and recovery time between laparoscopic (LH) and open mesh herniorrhaphy (OH). A nonrandomized prospective analysis of 233 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs was performed over a 12-month period by 27 surgeons. The type of repair was determined by surgeon preference. Cost analysis was performed using anesthesia records and hospital cost. Patient satisfaction and recovery time were evaluated by third-party interview. A total of 113 OHs and 120 LHs were performed; 11 OHs and 42 LHs were bilateral. Patient demographics were equivalent for the two groups. No statistical difference was noted when comparing anesthesia/operating room time between the two groups. The LHs accrued an additional charge of $2254 per case. Complication rates were 4.4 per cent for the OHs and 8.3 per cent for the LHs. All complications were considered minor. No infectious complications or recurrences were noted in either group. Satisfaction rates and pain indices were nearly identical for both OHs and LHs. The LHs had a shorter recovery time by 5.5 days. We conclude that LH is associated with a higher complication rate and cost than OH. Pain indices are similar, but LH has a shorter recovery time.