CTEP Versus LESS Totally Extraperitoneal Hernioplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to assess and compare the surgical outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-port surgery (LESS) for totally extraperitoneal (LESS-TEP) hernioplasty and conventional totally extraperitoneal (CTEP) hernioplasty.

METHODS

From March 2015 through May 2018, a retrospective analysis of postoperative outcomes was conducted that included 81 cases of LESS-TEP and 88 cases of CTEP hernioplasty patients. For postoperative indicator comparisons, a visual-analog pain scale and 5-level cosmesis evaluation sheet were applied. In addition, complications on postoperative outcomes following inguinal hernia repair surgery are discussed based on our analysis and surgical experience.

RESULTS

All operations were successfully performed at different hospitals. Compared with the CTEP group, the operative time in the LESS-TEP group increased significantly ( < .05). However, the cosmetic outcome in the LESS-TEP group was rated higher than that in the CTEP group ( < .05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in hospitalization time, the incidence of complications, postoperative pain levels, or medical costs ( > .05).

CONCLUSION

LESS-TEP is as feasible and safe as CTEP. The use of LESS-TEP successfully improved the cosmetic outcomes of inguinal hernia repair surgery with smaller and fewer scars for patients. As a new surgical treatment approach for inguinal hernias, the LESS-TEP technique is still not a necessary or efficacious surgical alternative strategy for CTEP, especially for surgeons who are less experienced in the technique.