Outcome of Laparoscopic and Open Tension-Free Inguinal Hernia Repair

Objective To compare the outcome of laparoscopic and open tension-free inguinal hernia repair. Methods There were 66 patients receiving inguinal hernia repairs and 48 cases with direct hernia, 14 cases with indirect hernia and 4 cases with bilateral inguinal hernia. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair was performed to 23 patients and Lichtenstein's tension-free hernia repair was performed to the other 43 patients. The clinical indexes of these two techniques were compared, including mean operative time, mean pain scores, postoperative complications, stay in hospital, and recurrence rate. Results The mean operative time in the laparoscopic group was longer than that in the open group. But the other indexes in the laparoscopic group were as same as, or even better than those in the open group. All the hernia repairs were successful and no major complications appeared in either group. During the follow-up period of 1 year, no recurrence was found in these patients. Conclusions The open anterior tension-free inguinal hernia repair is a safe operation with high success rate and fewer invasions. In terms of complications and pain in the postoperative patients, laparoscopic technique is better than the open repair, which led to earlier ambulation. So laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is an ideal alternative for clinical application.