Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a NICE operation.

Published evidence comparing laparoscopic and open herniorraphy is controversial. NICE recommends that open techniques are used for first time repairs and that TEP be considered for bilateral/recurrent repairs undertaken in specialist units. We report a consecutive series of 224 patients undergoing 268 TEP repairs between 1996 and 2001. Operating time, complications, return to normal activity/full time employment and recurrence were examined. The median operating time was 30 minutes. There was one conversion. Ninety four percent of patients drove on the third post-operative day. The median time to normal activity was 4 days (1-10 days). The median time to return to professional employment in 82 patients was 3 days (range 2-9 days). Four patients (1.7%) had self-limiting minor groin pain. There were 3 recurrences (1.4%) and none since altering the surgical technique to use a larger anchored mesh. We have demonstrated TEP to be an easily learnt, safe, effective technique with low morbidity, and with sufficient experience, takes no longer than an open repair. It can be performed at little increased cost and restores selected patients to an early return to full-time employment. We believe that the choice between open and laparoscopic repair is a subjective decision for patient and surgeon