Whereas the Lichtenstein procedure was not significantly better in any of the evaluated parameters, TEP was superior especially in the subjective parameters.

The long-term results after TEP showed no difference between PP and PP-PG meshes with regard to chronic pain, chronic dysesthesias, postoperative daily activities, and recurrence rates.

Total extraperitoneal repair is a reliable method with low recurrence rate and high patient satisfaction. A relevant proportion of patients complain however of pain and dysesthesia persisting over years. The data from this study show that in the long term, pain incidence drops significantly while the rate of dysesthesia remains constant. Long follow-up is needed to evaluate the long-term course of persistent pain. For more precise understanding of the long-term results of herniotomy, prospective randomized studies are needed with accordingly long follow-up.