A Comparative Prospective Study between Enhanced Total Extraperitoneal (eTEP) Repair V/S Transabdominal Preperitonial (TAPP) Repair in Groin Hernias

Introduction: A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of tissue through a defect in the surrounding walls, and includes direct inguinal, indirect inguinal, and femoral hernias. Repair techniques have evolved from Bassini’s method to tension-free approaches using polypropylene mesh. Current minimal access techniques include TAPP and TEP, with eTEP offering advantages in complex hernias. eTEP provides a larger surgical field, easier management of large hernias, improved tolerance of pneumoperitoneum, and reduced risk of complications than TAPP. Aim: This study aimed compare postoperative pain and complications between the eTEP and TAPP techniques in groin hernia repair. Methodology: This study analyzed groin hernia cases treated electively at the JLN Medical College, Ajmer, from January 2023 to July 2024. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 25 for eTEP (Group A) and 25 for TAPP (Group B). Inclusion criteria were patients over 12 years who consented to laparoscopic repair, with specific exclusion criteria related to prior conditions and complications. Data collected encompassed demographics, medical history, surgical specifics, and postoperative complications such as pain etc. Results: The results showed that the eTEP group had shorter surgery times for unilateral hernias, lower postoperative pain, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays than to the TAPP group. Both techniques were effective in preventing hernia recurrence, with only one recurrence in the TAPP group and no recurrence the eTEP group. The eTEP group also showed a faster return to duty, further highlighting the advantages of this approach in terms of patient recovery. Conclusion: Our study highlights the advantages of eTEP over TAPP for inguinal hernia repair, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery. Both techniques effectively prevent recurrence, however eTEP resulted in fewer complications. Further long-term studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings across diverse patient populations.