A comparative study between open and laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia

Background: Hernias of the abdominal wall constitute an important public health problem. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP) is a minimal access surgical procedure as compared to open hernia repair. The objective of the study was to compare open and laparoscopic hernia repair in terms of safety, complications, morbidity, recurrence, post-op pain and hospital stay.Methods: This was a prospective observational comparative study. Total 50 patients were taken in this study; out of them 25 patients subjected to group A (open repair of inguinal hernia) and 25 patients subjected to group B (laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia). Postoperatively patients were observed for any complications and followed up one year.Results: Present study shows high incidence of inguinal hernia in males. Mean operative time for open hernia repair group was less than laparoscopic hernia repair group. Time to return to normal work, duration of hospital stay and postoperative pain were less in laparoscopic hernia repair group than open hernia repair group. Out of 25 patients in laparoscopic hernia repair (TEP) 1 patient had recurrence but in open hernia repair group there was no recurrence.Conclusions: Laparoscopic hernia repair is quite safe; it has definite advantages in bilateral and recurrent cases, postoperative pain, early return to normal activities, less postoperative hospital stay and better cosmetic results although it has its own disadvantages in terms of recurrence rate, operative time and cost effectiveness.