Hernia repair techniques compared

The minimally invasive hernia repair procedure known as total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) was associated with higher patient satisfaction, less chronic pain and less impairment of groin sensation compared to the open surgical Lichtenstein repair, according to a study published in the March issue of Archives of Surgery. Hasan H. Eker of Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial and assigned 660 patients to receive one of the two techniques (336 to TEP and 324 to Lichtenstein repair). Long-term follow-up visits occurred at one year and five years after surgery. "Postoperative pain in the short term and chronic pain at five years after surgery were significantly greater after Lichtenstein repair vs TEP … as was impairment of inguinal sensibility … " the authors comment. "Patients are more satisfied after TEP with the surgical procedure and with their operative scars. Therefore, TEP should be recommended in experienced hands."