RECURRENCE RATE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OPEN INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LICHTENSTEIN VS TRABUCCO REPAIR

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of this retrospective observational study with prospective follow-up is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and patients' Quality of Life (QoL) after either a Lichtenstein or a Trabucco inguinal hernia repair. Materials and Methods 532 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair from 2016 to 2022 were included in this analysis. All the patients' baseline characteristics and data were collected from the hospital medical records. A phone interview was conducted to investigate long-term outcomes and patients’ QoL (EuraHS-QoL questionnaire) was performed between December 2022 and January 2024. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of patients’ recurrence rate and QoL in two technique groups: Lichtenstein (nA = 391) or Trabucco (nB = 141). Results The two groups didn’t show significant differences in main baseline characteristics. With a comparable median follow-up, no differences in complication rate (nA = 10.2% vs. nb= 11.3% p = 0.78) and recurrence rate (nA = 7.9% vs. nb = 4.96% p = 0.08)were detected among the two groups. Patients’ QoL improvement compared to the baseline was statistically significant in both groups. On the other hand, the weight of the mesh appears to have no impact on clinical outcomes (such as recurrence and complications), but it could worsen QoL when a heavier mesh is employed. Conclusion This analysis did not reveal any significant differences in outcomes between the two primary inguinal hernia repair techniques. Based on our experience, the choice of surgical techniques could be made depending on the preferences of the surgeons. It is crucial to select the weight of the mesh carefully.