Bilateral inguinal hernia repair: laparoscopic or open approach?
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes in the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia, comparing the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and open tension-free mesh repair (LICHT) approaches.


METHODS
We performed a prospective controlled non randomized clinical study in 128 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia over a period of 3 years. LICHT was used in 106 cases (53 patients) while TEP was employed in 150 cases (75 patients). The main outcome measurements were: recurrence rate, operating time, hospital stay and postoperative complications.


RESULTS
There were three recurrences (2.3%): two in the LICHT group (3.8%) and one (1.3%) in the TEP group P = NS. The TEP procedure was faster than LICHT repair (48.8 ± 10.8 vs. 70.4 ± 11.2 min) P < 0.01. Postoperative complications were more frequent in LICHT group (16%) than TEP group (5.3%) P < 0.01. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TEP group (0.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2 days) P < 0.001.


CONCLUSIONS
The TEP approach is an effective option for the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia when performed by experienced surgeons.
Feliu
X
X
Department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Hospital General d'Igualada, Avda, Catalunya 11, 08700, Igualada, Barcelona, Spain. 16255xfp@comb.es
Clavería
R
R
Besora
P
P
Camps
J
J
Fernández-Sallent
E
E
Viñas
X
X
Abad
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult