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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Bilateral inguinal hernia repair: laparoscopic or open approach?
X Feliu1, R Clavería, P Besora
1Department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Hospital General d'Igualada, Avda, Catalunya 11, 08700, Igualada, Barcelona, Spain. 16255xfp@comb.es
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes in the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia, comparing the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and open tension-free mesh repair (LICHT) approaches.
Methods:
We performed a prospective controlled non randomized clinical study in 128 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia over a period of 3 years. LICHT was used in 106 cases (53 patients) while TEP was employed in 150 cases (75 patients). The main outcome measurements were: recurrence rate, operating time, hospital stay and postoperative complications.
Results:
There were three recurrences (2.3%): two in the LICHT group (3.8%) and one (1.3%) in the TEP group P = NS. The TEP procedure was faster than LICHT repair (48.8 ± 10.8 vs. 70.4 ± 11.2 min) P < 0.01. Postoperative complications were more frequent in LICHT group (16%) than TEP group (5.3%) P < 0.01. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TEP group (0.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2 days) P < 0.001.
Conclusions:
The TEP approach is an effective option for the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia when performed by experienced surgeons.