Results of the laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernioplasty in comparison with the open operation

Purpose: We compared the clinical results and postoperative results with the total extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP) and the open operation by the Bassini technique. Materials and Methods: Between October 1996 and November 1998 72 patients had 88 laparoscopic repairs and 57 patients had open repairs. The two groups were similar in age, sex, primary or recurrent hernias and unilateral or bilateral hernias. Results: 90.3% of the laparoscopic treated patients and 80.7% of the Bassini group had no clinical complications. The TEP patients used over 0.7 days analgetics, the Bassini patients over 1.7 days. The TEP group stayed 4.7 days at the hospital and the open repaired group stayed there for 10.1 days (p < 0.05). Recurrence rates in both groups amounted 7% (TEP) and 12.8% (Bassini) after a follow-up of 38 months. 73.9% of the TEP patients had no problems to return to normal activity within 3 months, while 60% of the Bassini group were not noted to early recovery of normal activities (p < 0.001). The return to work was noted in the TEP group after a mean of 13.1 days and 24.7 days in the Bassini group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that the totally extraperitoneal approach for laparoscopic hernioplasty is a adequate technique for inguinal hernia repair with lower rates of recurrences and better long-term results concerning hospital stay, consumption of analgetics, return to normal activity, return to work and contentment. Therefore we think that based on a correct indication and laparoscopic expertise, laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernioplasty should also prefered by urological centers.