A prospective randomized study of Lichtenstein open tension-free versus laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal techniques for inguinal hernia repair.

Ideal technique for effective inguinal hernia repair is still controversial. Although open tension free mesh techniques of inguinal hernia repair offers good results but the superiority of laparoscopic technique was reported for postoperative pain, discomfort and earlier return back to work. A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique with the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique. 62 male patients with Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique and 61 male patients with totally extraperitoneal technique were operated and compared postoperatively. The patients were followed-up for 24 months with a median of 18 months. In terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, complications, hospital stay length, duration of limitation of normal daily activities there were no significant differences between the two groups. Operating time for totally extraperitoneal hernia repair was 16 minutes longer than Lichtenstein open tension free technique. The totally extraperitoneal technique was considerably expensive than Lichtenstein technique, however the duration of returning back to work was shorter in patients repaired with totally extraperitoneal technique. In conclusion in primary inguinal hernia repair Lichtenstein technique should be preferred and the totally extraperitoneal technique should be considered for recurrent and bilateral hernias.