Comparative Evaluation of Laparoscopic and Open Mesh Repair in Inguinal Hernia: Postoperative Pain, Complications, and Early Recurrence

Abstract

Introduction: A comparative clinical-study was designed with 180 adults, equally split between approaches. At 24 hrs and day 7, pain was measured on an 11-point numerical scale. Operative duration, hospital stay, return to usual activity, 30-day complications, and clinically assessed recurrence at six months were specified as outcomes. Methods: This single-center, non-randomized study analyzed outcomes of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) versus open Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using 180 constructed records of adults aged 18 to 75. The analytical sample included 90 records per group meeting strict criteria for elective, primary, unilateral, reducible hernia repairs while excluding complicated, recurrent, or emergency cases.. Results: The constructed analysis figures showed lower pain after laparoscopy at 24 hours (3.3 ± 1.2 vs 4.8 ± 1.4) and day 7 (1.7 ± 0.9 vs 2.7 ± 1.1), both p<0.001. Operative time was longer (71.2 ± 17.6 vs 57.9 ± 14.8 minutes), whereas postoperative stay was shorter (1.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.1 ± 0.9 days). Twelve/90 and 18/90 patients had any 30-day complication, respectively. Among those assessed at six months, 2/84 and 3/85 were observed to have a recurrence. Conclusion: The potential early recovery benefit of laparoscopy is highlighted but superiority for recurrence is not established.