Laparoscopic versus open hernia repair in patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia

Laparoscopic approach is employed very rarely in the treatment of patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and benefits of laparoscopic hernioplasty (TAPP) in the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia.

It was a retrospective clinical study focused on comparison of perioperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic and open hernia repair of incarcerated inguinal hernia. All adult patients undergoing surgery for incarcerated inguinal hernia at the University Hospital Ostrava between 2014 and 2018 were included in the study.

In total, 31 patients were enrolled into the study (20 patients with open hernia repair and 11 patients with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty [TAPP]). Operative time was shorter in the laparoscopic group (69.5 vs 82.2 min, p=0.444); length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TAPP group (3.45 vs 8.5 days, p=0.010). Postoperative complications were more frequent in the open hernia repair group (40% vs 0.0%, p=0.134); the difference was not statistically significant.

Laparoscopic hernioplasty provides a safe and effective operating technique for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia.