Publication:

Patient-reported outcomes following laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair: a prospective comparative study

Background Laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repairs are widely performed surgical procedures. Patient-reported outcomes, including post-operative pain, quality of life (QOL), and return to work, are increasingly important measures of surgical success.

Methods A prospective comparative study was conducted on 50 patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair- 25 laparoscopic and 25 open. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), QOL using the SF-36 questionnaire, and return to work in days. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

Results The laparoscopic group had significantly lower post-operative pain scores at 24 hours (mean VAS: 3.2±0.8 verses 5.6±1.1, p<0.001) and faster return to work (8±2 days verses 15±4 days, p<0.001). QOL scores at 1 month post-operatively were higher in the laparoscopic group (SF-36 total score: 82±6 verses 74±7, p=0.002).

Conclusions Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is associated with reduced post-operative pain, faster return to work, and improved early quality of life compared with open repair.