Comparison of Outcomes of Open Tension-free Mesh Repair and Totally Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Repair of Inguinoscrotal Hernias

Background: This study aimed to determine the differences in postoperative complications experienced by patients with inguinoscrotal hernia after laparoscopic versus open repair, and the association of risk factors to development of postoperative complications. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with inguinoscrotal hernias who had either Lichtenstein repair or totally  extraperitoneal laparoscopic (TEP) repair from January 2014 to December 2017. Results: The study was performed on evaluable data that could be extracted for 49 patients: 14 were offered TEP repair and 35 Lichtenstein repairs.  There was no statistical difference in the mean operative time and mean time taken to return to normal activities between the two groups. The length of hospital stay was one day for both groups. Two patients from the TEP repair group and one patient from the Lichtenstein repair group developed recurrence. Three patients from the TEP group and one patient from the Lichtenstein repair group developed chronic groin pain. One patient from the totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair group developed a seroma. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a trend towards better postoperative outcomes in the Lichtenstein repair group than in the TEP group. Keywords: Open tension-free mesh repair, Totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair, Inguinoscrotal hernias