Two-port (single incision plus one port) versus single-port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia: a retrospective comparative study

The aim of this study is to compare the feasibility and efficacy of two-port (single incision plus one port) laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) with single-port TEP for the treatment of inguinal hernia. We performed a retrospective comparative study from a prospectively maintained database. A cohort of 229 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent TEP were included. Of these patients, 124 underwent two-port TEP and 105 underwent single-port TEP. Differences in surgical outcomes were compared. The mean operative time was shorter in the two-port TEP group compared to the single-port TEP group (55.3 +/- 13.1 vs. 65.1 +/- 16.6 min, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other surgical outcomes including postoperative pain, postoperative hospital stay, time to resume daily activities, cosmetic satisfaction and complications. Two-port TEP is associated with a shorter operative time compared to single-port TEP, while the other outcomes evaluated in this study appear to be comparable.