Background: The aim of this article was to compare the outcomes of the open preperitoneal approaches and the Lichtenstein technique in the repair of inguinal hernias.
Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify studies comparing the outcomes of open preperitoneal and Lichtenstein techniques in the repair of inguinal hernias.
Results: The present meta-analysis pooled the effects of outcomes of a total of 2,860 patients enrolled into 10 randomized controlled trials and 2 comparative studies. The preperitoneal technique was associated with a lesser incidence of recurrence (odds ratio = .51; 95% confidence interval, .28-.92). However, statistically there was no difference in the incidence of chronic pain, hematoma, wound infection, testicular problem, urinary problem, numbness, inguinal parenthesis, and operative time.
Conclusions: The open preperitoneal approach is a feasible alternative for the standard Lichtenstein procedure with similar complication rates and potentially less postoperative recurrence.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.