[Open mesh technique versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach in inguinal hernia repair. Our experience].
BACKGROUND
In the last ten years the introduction of various open mesh and laparoscopic techniques has increased the interest in inguinal hernia surgery. Anyway controversy persists about the most effective inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to compare the results of open mesh technique and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for inguinal hernia.


METHODS
We considered 584 patients, 532 man and 52 woman, between 19 and 86 years: 332 (56.8%) had open mesh repair and 252 (43.2%) laparoscopic TAPP repair of groin hernia. Operative time, complications, recurrences and time to normal activities were recorded in both groups (range follow-up 1-10 years).


RESULTS
The median operative time was 71 min for open group and 92 min for TAPP group. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperative complication rate was 4,5% in patients open group and 3% in TAPP group. The recurrence rate was less than 1% in both groups (0,6% for open repair and 0,4% for laparoscopic repair). Significant difference was observed in the median time to return to normal activities: 9,8 days in TAPP group versus 13,4 days in open approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience confirmed the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach to inguinal hernia repair as excellent alternative to conventional surgery. The reduction of operative time, complications and recurrences is correlated to the surgeon's experience and learning curve.
Pironi
D
D
Sapienza Università di Roma, Policlinico Umberto 1, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche UOC Chirurgia Generale.
Palazzini
G
G
Panarese
A
A
La Gioia
G
G
Vendettuoli
M
M
Romani
A M
AM
Filippini
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult