OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy and safety between laparoscopic total extraperitoneal prosthetic (TEP) and Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy in the treatment of inguinal hernia (IH).

METHODSClinical data of 158 IH patients at our hospital from October 2015 to October 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 158 patients, 85 patients underwent TEP (TEP group), and 73 underwent Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy(Lichtenstein group). Patients of TEP group received general anesthesia. The space between suprapubic space and iliac fossa was separated with attention to protect the spermatic cord during the operation so as to avoid excessive separation. When the patch was placed, the internal margin exceeded the contralateral pubic tubercle, the lateral margin reached the anterior superior iliac spine, there was at least 2 cm overlap between the superior margin and the joint tendon, the lower margin was inserted into the suprapubic bladder space(Retzius space), and the lateral lower margin was at least 6 cm to internal ring. Lichtenstein group received local anesthesia or continuous epidural anesthesia and all underwent routine Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy. Operative time, postoperative conditions and recurrence were compared between two groups.

RESULTSAmong these 158 patients, 129 were male and 29 were female, with an age ranging from 26 to 75 years (median 42 years). Baseline data were not significantly different between two groups(all P>0.05). There was no perioperative death and serious complications in two groups. The difference was not statistically significant in operative time[(47.6±5.4) minutes vs. (48.9±6.3) minutes, t=0.238, P=1.024]. But TEP group was better than Lichtenstein group in terms of intraoperative blood loss [(7.53±2.31) ml vs. (11.41±4.49) ml, t=5.783, P=0.032], postoperative bedtime [(1.25±0.32) days vs. (2.83±0.52) days, t=5.294, P=0.041], postoperative hospital stay [(2.38±1.14) days vs. (3.46±1.81) days, t=5.482, P=0.037], and postoperative pain score (1.27±0.47 vs. 3.42±1.93, t=5.639, P=0.034). Follow-up was 12-16 months (median 10 months). In TEP and Lichtenstein group after operation, incision infection occurred in both 1 case, edema of the scrotum or labia minora developed in 2 patients and 3 cases respectively, chronic pain was found in one and 2 cases respectively. The patients were followed up for 5 to 16 months(median 10 months), and recurrences was observed in 1 case both in TEP group and Lichtenstein group respectively.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic total extraperitoneal prosthetic is safe and effective in the treatment of inguinal hernia, which is better than Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy in fast recovery, less trauma and more comfort, and worthy of clinical promotion.