Barbaro A, et al. - This study aimed at providing direct long-term comparative data about laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and open inguinal hernia repair. Researchers noticed that laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair performed in 1992–1994 had a higher recurrence rate than open Shouldice inguinal hernia repair during the same period. As the original study was undertaken in the inceptive days of laparoscopic surgery, results require interpretation considering the technology and expertise available at that time.

Methods

• Researchers performed a randomised controlled trial between 1992 and 1994 on patients undergoing a laparoscopic TEP or an open inguinal hernia (Shouldice) repair at their institution.
• Contemporary follow-up data could be obtained for 98 of the original 104 participants with regards to long-term recurrence.
• They obtained data with the help of questionnaires, telephone calls and retrieval of case records.
• They reviewed medical records for all patients.
• Using a Cox proportional hazards model, data were analysed.

Results

• 7/72 (9.7%) recurrences in the open group and 9/35 (25.7%) recurrences in the laparoscopic group were observed.
• The difference regarding recurrence rates was statistically significant (HR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.05–8.25; p = 0.041).