Surgical Outcome of Totally Extra Peritoneal (TEP) Laparoscopic Repair Versus Tension Free Mesh Repair (Lichtenstein) in Inguinal Hernias

Introduction: This project was aimed to determine the results of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) versus Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia in west surgical ward, Mayo hospital / Lahore. Objective: To study the outcome of laparoscopic (TEP) versus tension free mesh Lichtenstein repair in terms of hospital stay, patients recovery, morbidity and recurrence. Study design: It is a Quasi experimental design to compare the surgical outcome of TEPP versus Lichtenstein repair in inguinal hernias. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in west surgical ward, Mayo hospital Lahore over a period of more than one year from 1st January 2009 to 10th February 2010. Materials and methods: 60 patients of inguinal hernias were included in this study, all were males, two groups were formed each containing 30 patients. Group "A" underwent laparoscopic mesh repair while group "B" had Lichtenstein repair. All the patients ranged from 25 - 60 yrs. The data was collected on a preformed proforma and the results were analyzed in terms of percentage. Results: Post-operative pain in laparoscopic hernia repair was less as compared to lichtenstein repair, the hospital stay after laparoscopic hernia was 24hrs while in lichtenstein repair it was 48hrs. The recurrence rate was 3% in laparoscopic repair while in lichtenstein repair no recurrence was seen. There were no septic complications seen in both groups in 1 year follow up time. Conclusion: Early recovery, less hospital stay and less post-operative pain was observed in laparoscopic repair while in terms of recurrence no significant difference was seen.