Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal procedure with and without mesh-fixation for inguinal hernia repairs

The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair using a non-fixed mesh technique. Between January 2014 and January 2016, a total of 76 patients with inguinal hernias were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, each involving 38 cases. Median age was 47 years (range, 16 78 years). A total of 38 patients had the TAPP procedure in the study group (Group 1). Mesh was used without fixation. Patients in the control group (Group 2) underwent TAPP inguinal hernioplasty with tacker mesh fixation. Clinical effects were assessed by the following variables: recurrence rate, postoperative complications, analgesic consumption, operation time, hospital stay, and patient costs. Of the 76 study patients, there were no recurrent hernias in either group. Total postoperative complication rate was 28.9% in the control group and 2.6% in the study group (P<0.05). The highest number of cases of analgesic use in post operative patients was from the control group. The percentage of patients prescribed analgesics was 26.3%, while analgesics were used in 1 patient in the study group (2.6%), showing statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Moreover, patient costs were significantly lower in study group (P<0.05). However, overall operation times did not significantly differ between the two groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair without mesh fixation is safe and feasible with no increase in recurrence rates. Furthermore, this procedure reduced the risk of postoperative complications and patient costs.