A Comparative Study of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty with Open Inguinal Hernioplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Inguinal hernia repair is most common surgical procedures done world-wide. It is repaired by both laparoscopic and open technique. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty with open inguinal hernioplasty.

Methods: A retrospective comparative study was done from May 2019 to July 2020. Sixty patients enrolled in the study, 30 underwent Laparoscopic hernia repair (LH) and another 30 underwent Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty (OH).These two groups were compared for operative time, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, surgical site infections and postoperative scar.

Results: Out of 60 patients, right sided inguinal hernia was found in 34(56.66%), left sided inguinal hernia in 24 (40%) and bilateral inguinal hernia in 2 (3.33%).Mean operative time in LH group was 122±13.77 minutes where as in OH group it was 55.59±8.53 [p<0.01]. Mean postoperative pain at 8 hours in LH was 4.44±1.87 and in OH was 6.43±0.93 [p<0.01). At first postoperative day pain in LH was 3.46±1.38 and in OH was 5.76±1.0 [p<0.01). At second postoperative day pain in LH was 3.09±1.12 and in OH was 4.43±0.81[p<0.01].Mean duration of hospital stay in LH group was 2.13±0.34 whereas in OH group 2.70±0.46[p<0.01].No surgical site infections noted in LH group whereas 2 developed superficial surgical site infections in OH group(P=0.155). In 2 weeks and subsequent follow up period of 3 months, scarlook cosmetically better in LH group.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernia repair was associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, less surgical site infections, with better cosmesis but prolonged operative time.