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Laparoscopic or Lichtenstein repair for recurrent inguinal hernia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Jun Yang1, Da Nian Tong, Jing Yao
1Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
Background:
There is no clear answer regarding the use of laparoscopic techniques versus the Lichtenstein method for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopy versus the Lichtenstein repair by a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods:
Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Science Citation Index updated to May 2012, were searched. The main outcome measures were wound infections and haematoma, urinary retention, post-operative chronic pain and recurrence. A meta-analysis of included RCTs was performed.
Results:
Five RCTs, comprising a total of 427 patients, were included. Although most of the analysed outcomes were similar between groups, wound infection rates and post-operative chronic pain occurred less frequently in the laparoscopic group than in the Lichtenstein group (odds ratio: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.97; P = 0.05; odds ratio: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17-0.68; P = 0.002, respectively).
Conclusion:
The laparoscopic approach to the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia is superior to the Lichtenstein hernioplasty in some aspects that affect patient satisfaction.
