A randomized comparison of the early outcome of stapled and unstapled techniques of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.
OBJECTIVE
The need for stapling is a relative drawback of laparoscopic hernia repairs because it adds to the complications and costs. The safety of unstapled repairs as a viable alternative lacks validation, due to the dearth of analogous comparative trials.


METHODS
Patients were randomized to undergo either stapled or unstapled total extraperitoneal hernia repairs. The groups were matched for age and the type of hernia repaired. Pain scores, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery, and long-term outcomes (ie, groin pain, paraesthesias, testicular atrophy, and recurrence) were studied.


RESULTS
The incidence of complications, pain scores, pain trends, hospital stay, return to activity, and long-term outcomes were comparable. No recurrence has been noted at a median follow-up of 23 months in 63 hernias repaired in 49 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Unstapled laparoscopic hernia repair scores are equivalent to their stapled counterparts with respect to recurrence and complications.
Parshad
Rajinder
R
Department of Surgical Disciplines, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. rparshad@yahoo.com
Kumar
Rakesh
R
Hazrah
Priya
P
Bal
Sabyasachi
S
D000328:Adult; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D016896:Treatment Outcome