Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the results of Lichtenstein repair (LR) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic repair in groin hernias.

Methods:

The medical records of 104 patients who underwent groin hernia repair between January 2011 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent LR were defined as group 1 (n=29); those who underwent TAPP laparoscopic repair were defined as group 2 (n=42), and those who underwent TEP laparoscopic repair were defined as group 3 (n=33). The patients in the groups were compared according to their demographic findings, body mass index, operative time, and post-operative complications.

Results:

One patient in group 1, 10 patients in group 2, and seven patients in group 3 had bilateral groin hernias. Four patients in group 2 and two in group 3 had recurrent hernia and a history of previous LR. The mean operation time was 50.13±14.28 min in group 1, 69.61±22.19 min in group 2, and 63.87±18.09 min in group 3. The mean hospital stay was 1.4 days in group 1, 1.2 days in group 2, and 1.1 days in group 3. No major complication was encountered in early post-operative period in all groups.

Discussion:

Laparoscopic procedures are commonly used in hernia surgery, particularly in recurrent and bilateral cases. However, in primary and unilateral cases, LR and laparoscopic procedures have similar results. From the findings of this study, in laparoscopic hernia repair, the most important factor affecting the selection of the method is the experience of the surgeon.

Keywords: Groin hernia, Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP