The role of laparoscopic procedure against inguinal hernia comparing with open procedure

Abstract

BackgroundLaparoscopic approach, especially laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for inguinal hernia (IH) is widely spread but few studies have compared its invasiveness with that of conventional approach (OPEN). This study compared the role and postoperative early phase symptoms of LPEC with OPEN at our institute.MethodsThe records of 940 IH patients from 2014 to 2019 were analyzed on the basis of age, sex, method of surgery, pre- and post-operative diagnosis, postoperative symptoms, and complications.ResultsThe OPEN group comprised 393 males, of which 44 were diagnosed with contralateral hernia (7.1%). In the LPEC group, 158 males had an average age of 3.88 years. The contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was identified in 148 patients during operation. OPEN operation time for patients aged <1 year was 42.7 minutes, vs 33.4 minutes for LPEC. The two groups experienced comparable paces of fever and first oral intake time; however, pain and recurrence rate were greater in the LPEC group.ConclusionLPEC can be performed to avoid contralateral occurrence; surgical time is reduced for patients aged <1 year. However, the reduced invasiveness of LPEC compared to that of OPEN did not minimize postoperative symptoms or complications.