[Inguinal hernia: laparoscopic or open surgery?]

Abstract

Background: Today, mesh repair is the preferred technique in surgery of inguinal hernia. Whether the mesh should be placed laparoscopically or by open techniques is still controversial.

Methods: A comparison of open mesh and laparoscopic techniques was made with the help of meta-analyses and prospective trials. Outcome variables analysed were recurrence, chronic pain, recovery, morbidity and costs.

Results: With regard to recurrence rates, both techniques gave comparable results. The laparoscopic technique shows advantages in terms of morbidity, recovery and especially a lower rate of chronic pain. Open mesh repair has the advantage of a lower risk of some rare severe intra-abdominal complications and seems to be more cost-effective.

Conclusion: Both techniques of inguinal hernia repair are effective and safe. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, today no single technique can be recommended as a gold standard.