Abstract

Objectives: To compare open versus laparoscopic repair for abdominal and groin hernias with regard to the following factors: duration of surgery, post-operative pain and analgesia, resumption of oral diet, length of hospital stay, cost and return to normal activity.
Materials and methods: The study is obtained from patients who consented to get operated for inguinal and ventral hernias at ANMMCH, Gaya. Study duration of Two Years. Relevant history, clinical examination and appropriate investigations were done. A total of 81 patients were operated after written consent. 60 patients with inguinal hernias and 60 patients with ventral hernias were used in the study. A proforma was used to collect the relevant information. Data was analyzed using the Students ’t’ test, Fisher’s Exact test and the chi-square test, a P value of Results: On comparing the ventral hernia group, it was seen that patient undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair experienced less post-operative pain, early resumption of oral diet, shorter duration of hospital stay and resumed normal activity quicker. Operative time was longer and cost of operation was more in the laparoscopic group. On comparing inguinal hernias, patients in laparoscopic group experienced less post-operative pain, required shorter duration of analgesia, shorter hospital stay and resumed normal activity quicker. Operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernia repair holds a promising alternative to the novel repair and the short term results are encouraging. In both cases of ventral and inguinal hernia, laparoscopic repair showed a clear advantage in decreasing the post operative pain, length of hospital stay, reduced duration of analgesia and earlier return to normal activity when compared to open repair. Hence, laparoscopic hernia repair can be considered as a feasible alternative to open repair.