Open hernia repair better than laparoscopic
The Journal of Family Practice. 2004 August;53(8):604-612
August 1, 2004|The Journal of Family Practice
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- CLINICAL QUESTION: Is an open or laparoscopic approach better for inguinal hernia repair?
- STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (nonblinded)
- SETTING: Inpatient (any location) with outpatient follow-up
- SYNOPSIS: Open surgical repair of inguinal hernias involves use of a prosthetic mesh, the possibility of local anesthesia, and discharge often within a few hours of the procedure. A laparoscopic procedure has been introduced that requires general anesthesia, but claims to reduce postoperative pain and allow earlier return to usual activities. Which is better?
BOTTOM LINE
Although laparoscopic repair is associated with a small reduction in pain and it gets your patient back to work a day sooner, it carries a greater risk of serious complications and recurrence. (LOE=1b)
