title: Comparison of open preperitoneal and Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this article was to compare the outcomes of the open preperitoneal approaches and the Lichtenstein technique in the repair of inguinal hernias.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify studies comparing the outcomes of open preperitoneal and Lichtenstein techniques in the repair of inguinal hernias.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The present meta-analysis pooled the effects of outcomes of a total of 2,860 patients enrolled into 10 randomized controlled trials and 2 comparative studies. The preperitoneal technique was associated with a lesser incidence of recurrence (odds ratio = .51; 95% confidence interval, .28-.92). However, statistically there was no difference in the incidence of chronic pain, hematoma, wound infection, testicular problem, urinary problem, numbness, inguinal parenthesis, and operative time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The open preperitoneal approach is a feasible alternative for the standard Lichtenstein procedure with similar complication rates and potentially less postoperative recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Lijunshenghd@126.com
authors.forename: Junsheng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zhenling
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome