Comparative study between open preperitoneal mesh and Lichtenstein’s mesh in inguinal hernia repair

Background There is still a great debate regarding the optimal approach for inguinal hernial repair. Objective This study aims to compare between the preperitoneal and Lichtenstein approaches in the management of inguinal hernias. Patients and methods We included 50 cases that were randomly divided into two groups: the first group included 25 cases that underwent the preperitoneal repair, whereas the other group included the remaining cases that underwent Lichtenstein repair. Results Intraoperative bleeding was encountered more in the preperitoneal group. Regarding complications, seroma and scrotal edema were encountered more in the Lichtenstein group (P<0.05). Moreover, chronic inguinal pain was more prevalent in the same group. Conclusion Preperitoneal mesh repair offers more advantages over Lichtenstein repair, especially regarding seroma, scrotal edema, and chronic inguinal pain.