Lichtenstein hernia repair versus totally extraperitoneal hernia repair: Randomized control study in rural area

Abstract

Introduction: Lichtenstein technique is an age-old accepted technique of inguinal hernia repair. However, we have compared it with laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair in terms of clinical outcome, quality of life, safety, and effectiveness. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and fifty patients were randomized to TEP group (75 patients – Group 1) or Lichtenstein repair group (75 patients – Group 2); pre-, peri-, and post-operative factors were then recorded. Results: Preoperative factors were similar in both the groups. Chronic pain was more prevalent in Lichtenstein repair than TEP group. Recurrence rates were similar in both the groups. Patients in laparoscopic group returned to work much earlier than open group resulting in more economic savings and decrease in loss of working days. TEP was a expensive procedure.Conclusions: The laparoscopic technique with mesh in the treatment of inguinal hernia in our rural setup is still complimentary to open mesh repair and not an alternative, irrespective of several important clinical aspects, with concomitant improvement in patient satisfaction in terms of early return to work.