A retrospective study of 3D laparoscopy and 2D laparoscopy in transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) for unilateral inguinal hernia in elderly patients

This study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of 3D laparoscopy in elderly patients undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) surgery for inguinal hernia. Patients were divided into two groups based on the laparoscopic equipment used during surgery. Clinical data preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. From January 2020 to August 2023, a total of 127 patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia were evaluated in this study, 61 in the 3D TAPP group and 66 in the 2D TAPP group. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data, including average age, gender distribution, BMI index, hernia type, hernia defect size and location, comorbidities, and usage of anticoagulant drugs between the two groups (P>0.05). In terms of operative indicators, the 3D group showed shorter mean operation time (51.61 +/- 7.16 min vs. 78.59 +/- 13.51 min, P<0.001), mean mesh placement time (6.07 +/- 1.40 min vs. 9.77 +/- 1.21 min, P<0.001), and mean peritoneal suture time (7.34 +/- 1.85 min vs. 9.73 +/- 1.32 min, P<0.001) compared to the 2D group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in mean blood loss, postoperative pain scores, postoperative hospital stay, and total hospital costs between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions such as dizziness or nausea were reported by surgeons during the procedures in either group. Three-dimensional laparoscopy in TAPP surgery provides high-definition, three-dimensional surgical images, reducing the difficulty of operations and effectively shortening the operation time.