Our Summary

This study is about comparing two methods of repairing an inguinal hernia, a condition where tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The two methods are a laparoscopic method, which is a minimally invasive surgery using a camera and small instruments, and an anterior sutureless method, which is an open surgery where the surgeon directly views the surgical site.

The team examined 160 patients who had these surgeries between July 2018 and July 2019. Half of the patients had the laparoscopic method, where a special mesh was used to help strengthen the weak abdominal wall and was secured with a medical glue. The other half had the open surgery method, where a different mesh was used that didn’t need any sutures or glue to hold it in place.

The researchers collected data on these patients for 60 months after their surgeries. They found that the two groups were similar in age, gender, and overall health score. The time it took to perform both surgeries was also similar. Importantly, none of the laparoscopic surgeries had to be switched to open surgeries, and there were no complications during the surgeries in either group.

However, they found that patients who had the open surgery had more post-surgery nerve pain, with 8 cases in the open surgery group compared to none in the laparoscopic group. Persistent pain (lasting more than 6 months) was reported in only 2 patients in the open group. The return of the hernia was only observed in the open surgery group.

The researchers concluded that both methods of hernia repair are safe and effective, with minimal complications. However, the laparoscopic method seems to be better, as it offers a quicker recovery and fewer issues after surgery. Therefore, they recommend the laparoscopic method as the first choice for this type of hernia repair.

FAQs

  1. What techniques were used in the study to perform laparoscopic and anterior sutureless inguinal hernia repairs?
  2. What were the findings related to postoperative neuralgia between the laparoscopic and open groups?
  3. Based on the study, which method of sutureless hernia repair is preferred and why?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to expect a faster recovery and fewer postoperative issues compared to open surgery. It is important to follow postoperative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those with inguinal hernias who are looking for a minimally invasive procedure with faster recovery and fewer postoperative complications. This includes patients who may have concerns about chronic pain or have had previous issues with traditional open hernia repair techniques. Additionally, patients who are able to tolerate general anesthesia and have a lower risk for perioperative complications may also be good candidates for laparoscopic hernia repair.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms of inguinal hernia, such as a bulge in the groin area or pain.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination and possibly imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including the choice between laparoscopic and open repair.
  4. Patient schedules surgery and prepares for the procedure by following any preoperative instructions given by their healthcare team.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic hernia repair, which involves inserting a small camera and instruments through small incisions in the abdomen.
  2. Polypropylene mesh is secured with fibrin glue to reinforce the weakened area of the abdominal wall.
  3. The procedure typically takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
  4. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may be discharged the same day or after a short hospital stay.
  5. Patient is advised to follow postoperative care instructions, including limiting physical activity, taking pain medication as needed, and watching for signs of infection.
  6. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
  7. Most patients experience a faster recovery and fewer postoperative issues with the laparoscopic approach compared to open repair.
  8. Persistent pain and relapse may occur in some cases, but these complications are generally less common with laparoscopic hernia repair.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic hernia repair may include:

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to traditional open surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after laparoscopic hernia repair?
  4. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  5. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure, or is it done on an outpatient basis?
  6. How long will I need to refrain from certain activities after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any medications after the procedure?
  8. What follow-up appointments will be necessary after laparoscopic hernia repair?
  9. Are there any specific instructions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure the best outcome?
  10. How soon can I expect to return to normal daily activities and work after laparoscopic hernia repair?

Reference

Authors: Olmi S, Delcarro A, Ciccarese F, Zanoni AAG, Uccelli M, Cesana G. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2025 Jun;35(6):451-457. doi: 10.1089/lap.2025.0039. Epub 2025 Apr 23. PMID: 40265286