Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair: A patient's perspective

Abstract

Background: The optimal method of hernia repair in children is still debatable in spite of a large number of clinical trials comparing open and laparoscopic repairs. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic versus open herniotomy with regard to a patient's perspective in terms of immediate postoperative recovery and comfort and long-term satisfaction with the procedure. Settings and Designs: This is a retrospective study from January 2014 to 2016 conducted at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A total of eighty consecutive patients (forty open and forty laparoscopic) who underwent inguinal hernia repair were included in this study. Postoperatively on follow-up, which ranged from 6 to 20 months, the patient and/or parent were interviewed by a questionnaire. This included documentation of postoperative pain which was assessed by visual analog scales and face, legs, activity, cry, consolability scoring system according to the age of the child, time of discharge from hospital, postoperative complications and time taken to return to normal activities, recurrence of hernia or hernia on the opposite side, cosmesis, and problems associated with scars. Results and Conclusions: Patients in the laparoscopic group fared better than the open group in terms of postoperative pain, return to routine activities, and cosmesis. However, there was one recurrence on the same side in this group. No recurrences on the operated side were observed in the open group; however, three contralateral hernias were operated in this group.