A COMPARISON OF LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSABDOMINAL PREPERITONEAL (TAPP) VERSUS LICHTENSTEIN REPAIR FOR INGUINAL HERNIAS

Background: Inguinal hernia, is undoubtedly the commonest type of hernia and has got a significant burden of morbidity and mortality posed by its symptoms and complications, especially if left untreated. Mesh hernioplasty is its well established cure commonly done by open method (Lichtenstein) and less so by laparoscopic method (TAPP). Objective: To compare the outcome of TAPP and Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernias. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial carried out at the Dept of Surgery, LGH, Lahore, for full one year a total of 80 patients with mean ages of group-A (40.4±10.69) and group-B (40.52±11.03) years based on inclusion criteria were selected and equally divided in both groups randomly. In group A, TAPP repair was done. In group B, Lichtenstein repair was done. All research parameters were recorded and calculated to get results. Results: Mean operative time was significantly lower for Lichtenstein Repair as compared to TAAP i.e. 44.05 vs. 52.27, P-Value = 0.001. The mean hospital stay was significantly short for TAAP as that Lichtenstein repair i.e. 2.05 days vs. 3.02 days, p-value=0.000. However postoperative infection rate was higher in patients in Lichtenstein Repair group i.e. TAAP: 10% vs Lichtenstein: 17.5%. Conclusion: TAAP is more effective than Lichtenstein repair by offering the patients a shorter hospital stay and less postoperative infection for treating inguinal hernia but has a little longer operative time.