Comparison of Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) and Lichtenstein Technique

Comparison of Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) and Lichtenstein Technique in Long-term Follow-up

Open tension-free mesh repair (Lichtenstein) and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair are the most commonly preferred techniques for inguinal hernia surgery. There's still a debate going on about which of these two techniques (open versus laparoscopic) is effective. This prospective randomized study aimed at comparing the early and long-term results of these two techniques (TEP vs. Lichtenstein).

Various studies comparing the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and Lichtenstein techniques have been reported. These studies have shown that TEP repair is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery. However, there are different views on the long-term (recurrence, chronic pain, etc.) results of the two techniques. This study was designed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of open tension-free mesh repair technique(Lichtenstein) and laparoscopic repair technique(TEP).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were diagnosed with inguinal hernia (primary, recurrent, unilateral, bilateral)
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of I and II
• Gave informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with scrotal, strangulated, or obstructed hernia
• Periumbilical or subumbilical incision scar (median, right or left paramedian)
• Undergoing prostatectomy or abdominal bladder surgery
• Pfannenstiel incision scar
• ASA score >3