Hernia Repair Four Arm Comparative Study

Four Arm Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic And Open Hernia Repairs

This study compares the outcome of the four most commonly used operations for the repair of primary groin hernia including the new key hole surgical techniques. It aims at answering the question of whether the new technology really improve the outcome, saves time and reduce patient suffering.

The study compares two traditional techniques of inguinal hernia repair; namely Lechtenstien repair and properitoneal repair versus two techniques of laparoscopic hernia repair, namely extraperitoneal and transperitoneal repair. It compares the operative time, complications, postoperative pain and the speed of patient recovery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult male primary inguinal hernia

Exclusion Criteria:

• recurrent hernia previous lower abdominal surgery [excluding appendectomy]