Recurrent inguinal hernia: randomized multicenter trial comparing laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair.
BACKGROUND
The optimal treatment for recurrent inguinal hernia is of concern due to the high frequency of recurrence.


METHODS
This randomized multicenter study compared the short- and long-term results for recurrent inguinal hernia repair by either the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal patch (TAPP) procedure or the Lichtenstein technique.


RESULTS
A total of 147 patients underwent surgery (73 TAPP and 74 Lichtenstein). The operating time was 65 min (range, 23-165 min) for the TAPP group and 64 min (range, 25-135 min) for the Lichtenstein group. Patients who underwent TAPP reported significantly less postoperative pain and shorter sick leave (8 vs 16 days). The recurrence rate 5 years after surgery was 19% for the TAPP group and 18% for the Lichtenstein group.


CONCLUSIONS
The short-term advantage for patients who undergo the laparoscopic technique is less postoperative pain and shorter sick leave. In the long term, no differences were observed in the chronic pain or recurrence rate.
Eklund
A
A
Department of Surgery, Västerås Hospital, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden. arne.eklund@ltv.se
Rudberg
C
C
Leijonmarck
C-E
CE
Rasmussen
I
I
Spangen
L
L
Wickbom
G
G
Wingren
U
U
Montgomery
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011336:Probability; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome