Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair- Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) versus totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Background and Aim: Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair are the two standardized laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Although several studies were conducted in the past, there are still no certain answers regarding the best laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia repair. Therefore, our aim was to compare the outcomes of the TAPP versus TEP for inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, from January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 and included 54 patients admitted with unilateral or bilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia. Patients undergoing laparoscopic TEP or TAPP inguinal hernia repair were compared on various intraoperative and postoperative parameters. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study (TEP, 27; TAPP, 27). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic profile and hernia characteristics. TEP had significantly less mean operative time compared to TAPP. Pain scores and injectable analgesics' requirement were significantly higher in TAPP compared to TEP. Postoperative stay was significantly higher in TAPP than TEP. Surgical outcome in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications, hernia recurrence, and chronic pain for the two laparoscopic techniques was comparable. Conclusion: The lesser intraoperative duration of surgery with lesser postoperative pain scores and lesser postoperative hospital stay favor the use of TEP over TAPP for repair of inguinal hernia.

Keywords

• inguinal hernia
• laparoscopy
• tep
• tapp