The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair and totally extraperitoneal repair.

The electronic databases of Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, and a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was undertaken.

Seven studies comprising 516 patients with 538 inguinal hernia defects were identified. A shorter recovery time (P = .02) was found for totally extraperitoneal repair in comparison with transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (weighted mean difference = −.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], −.71 to .07) although the length of hospitalization (P = .89) was similar in the 2 treatment arms (weighted mean difference = .01; 95% CI, −.13 to .15). Operative morbidity (P = .004) was higher for the preperitoneal approach (odds ratio = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.61). No differences were found with regard to the incidence of recurrence, long-term neuralgia, and operative time.

Current evidence suggests similar operative results for endoscopic and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, with a trend toward higher morbidity for the preperitoneal approach. Randomized trials with a longer-term follow-up are needed in order to assess the effect of each approach on the prevention of recurrence.