TEP vs. TAPP for inguinal hernia repair: A comparative analysis of short-term quality of life in the turkish population

Aim: In laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery, the most commonly used techniques are total extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair, yet there is still no consensus regarding their superiority over one another.This study aims to evaluate the impact of TEP and TAPP techniques on quality of life in a heterogeneous population and compare their superiority.Additionally, it seeks to compare these findings with normative data from the Turkish population.Material and Methods: The TEP and TAPP techniques were compared based on postoperative data and SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire results from 184 patients.Additionally, the SF-36 questionnaire data were compared with the normative values of the Turkish population.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the TEP and TAPP techniques in terms of complications and operative time.However, a significant association was found between an increase in chronic pain scores and the TAPP technique.In the quality of life analysis, the TEP technique demonstrated statistical superiority in emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health.When compared with Turkish normative values, both techniques yielded similar results in female patients, whereas the TEP technique achieved superior outcomes in male patients.Discussion: In this study, the TEP technique was found to be superior in terms of quality of life and chronic pain.In the Turkish population, both techniques appeared to be suitable for female patients, whereas the TEP technique was shown to be more advantageous for male patients.Surgeons are advised to carefully evaluate the patient's clinical condition and their own surgical experience when determining the most appropriate surgical technique.