Abstract

Objective: To compare early and mid-term outcomes between mesh fixation and non-fixation in TEP laparoscopic repair for inguinal hernia.

Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 90 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent TEP repair. Patients were divided into two groups: mesh fixation (n = 45) and non-fixation (n = 45). Demographic characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, postoperative pain assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS), recovery time, length of hospital stay, and early and mid-term outcomes (up to 12-month follow-up) were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Results: The two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), ASA classification, hernia side, and hernia type (p > 0.05). The median operative time was 60 minutes in both groups, with no intraoperative complications recorded. The rate of early postoperative complications was low and did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). Postoperative pain at the time of discharge showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.049). Recovery time after surgery, length of hospital stay, and early outcome assessment were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). At 12-month follow-up, mid-term outcomes were similar, with no significant differences in complications or overall treatment outcomes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Mesh fixation in TEP repair for inguinal hernia showed no statistically significant difference in early outcomes, mid-term outcomes, and postoperative complication rates compared with non-fixation. This technique may be considered an applicable option in clinical practice for appropriately selected cases.