Laparoscopic Versus Open Repair of Bilateral Primary Inguinal Hernia

This prospective randomized study included 120 consecutive patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernia treated at Alexandria university hospital in the period between June 2014 and February 2017. Patients were randomized by sealed envelopes into 3 groups, each includes 40 patients. Group I treated by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair using 2 separate meshes, Group II treated by open preperitoneal mesh repair, while Group III treated by bilateral Lichtenstein repair. The 3 groups were compared regarding: operative time, postoperative complications, pain, hospital stay, return to normal activity and work, chronic groin pain, patient's satisfaction and 3 years recurrence rate.

Statistical Analysis: Numerical data in both groups was expressed as mean

± standard deviation (SD) and compared using One-way analysis of variance while categorical data was expressed as percentages and compared using Chi-squared test. Logistic regression test was used to determine predictors of postoperative complications. Differences were considered significant at p <0.05.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with primary bilateral inguinal hernias in patients aged from 20 to 60 years

Exclusion criteria

• - Immune compromised patients,
• - Morbid obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2)
• - Chronic liver or renal disease
• - Coagulopathy
• - High-risk patients unfit for major surgery (ASA III or IV)
• - Recurrent hernias
• - Complicated hernias
• - Massive scrotal hernias
• - Previous infra-umbilical surgery
• Persistent groin pain due to other causes