Equal Results with Laparoscopic and Shouldice Repairs of Primary Inguinal Hernia in Men. Report from a Prospective Randomised Study

Abstract

Aim:

To compare the laparoscopic and Shouldice techniques for repair of inguinal hernia.

Material:

261 healthy men over 50 years with primary, unilateral inguinal hernia were randomly allocated to laparoscopic (total extraperitoneal approach, TEP) treatment (n = 131) or to a modified Shouldice technique (n = 130).

Results:

Apart from a longer operative time in the laparoscopic group, there were no significant differences between the two methods with regard to perioperative complications, hospital stay, recurrencies or pain in the groin.

Conclusions:

Results following the total extraperitoneal laparoscopic and the Shouldice technique do not differ significantly 2 years after hernia repair.