Open Lichtenstein Hernioplasty Versus Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Mesh Repair: The Pain Factor

Introduction One of the most commonly performed surgery by a general surgeon is inguinal hernia repair. There have been numerous open surgical techniques and two laparoscopic techniques described in the literature for the treatment of inguinal hernias. The treatment outcome of all these surgeries remains the same which is reducing the hernia and preventing recurrence. Our aim was to compare laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair with emphasis on postoperative pain. Methods One hundred and twenty patients with unilateral primary inguinal hernias were randomly divided into two groups. Each group included 60 patients. Group one was treated by open Lichtenstein repair, while the second group was treated by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mesh repair. The two groups were compared to assess the duration of surgery, postoperative pain, duration of hospital stay, return to normal activity, and work. Results Laparoscopic TAPP repair was found to have a longer operative time as compared to Liechtenstein open repair. In terms of other parameters such as postoperative pain duration of hospital stay, return to normal activity, and work the laparoscopic group was superior. After a one-year follow-up, none of the patients had any chronic pain or evidence of hernia recurrence. Conclusion Laparoscopic TAPP has a clear advantage over the conventional Liechtenstein open surgery especially in terms of reduced early post postoperative pain and return to normal activity.