A prospective randomised trial comparing the outcome of laparoscopic hernioplasty to Lichtenstein's open mesh repair

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the comparative outcome of Laparoscopic technique versus open repair for inguinal hernia.Methods: A randomized prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery to compare laparoscopic hernioplasty and Lichtenstein’s open mesh repair. The study consisted of 100 subjects with unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia and they were randomly allocated into either group. Various parameters like duration of surgery, intra and post-operative complications, post-operative pain, recurrence, stay in the hospital and resumption of daily activities were compared.Results: Out of the 100 patients, 24 had bilateral inguinal hernia and the rest 76 had unilateral. 14 patients with bilateral hernia underwent laparoscopic repair and 10 underwent open mesh repair. 36 patients with unilateral hernia underwent laparoscopic hernioplasty and 40 underwent open mesh repair. The mean operative time for unilateral open hernioplasty was 46.86 mins and bilateral was 91.10 mins whereas, for unilateral laparoscopic hernioplasty it was 65.18 mins and bilateral was 120.55 mins post-operative complications, like wound infection was noted in 14% (7 out of 50 patients) and 18% had seroma formation (9 out of 50 patients) in the open hernioplasty group. In laparoscopic hernioplasty group, 2% (1) had wound infection but, seroma formation was noted in 12% (6 out of 50 patients). Urinary retention was noted 20% of open hernioplasty group (10 out of 50) and 6% of laparoscopic hernioplasty group (3 out of 50 patients).Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernioplasty is more beneficial than Lichtenstein’s open hernia mesh repair as it is safer, with faster recovery, lesser post-operative complications and reduced morbidity.