Evaluation of the Impact of Pre-Peritoneal Transabdominal Inguinal Herniorraphy (Tapp) During the Seventh Hernia Effort

Abstract

Introduction: Lichtenstein and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) operations are considered in the repair of inguinal hernias, both with advantages. Determining the superiority between them is done by evaluating the complications -chronic pain and recurrence-, fast recovery, reproducible results and better costeffectiveness. Objective: To identify the best surgical technique for repairing inguinal hernias in relation to the rate of recurrence, chronic pain and time to return to daily activities, at the Hospital Universitário Ciências Médicas (HUCM), during the Seventh Hernia Campaign, in 2019. Methods: The quantitative-qualitative observational cross-sectional study took place between 2021 and 2022. Patients from the 7th hernia joint effort, promoted by the Brazilian Society of Hernias, treated at a university hospital in Belo Horizonte, were evaluated. men and women of majority, with unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias, non-recurring, submitted to surgery with TAPP and Lichtenstein. Of these, 17 patients performed a questionnaire and physical examination to investigate chronic pain, time to return to daily activities and recurrence. Results: Two groups composed of eight patients submitted to Lichtenstein (2 women and 6 men) and nine men to TAPP, with a mean age of 63 years (p=0.0885). Chronic pain affected 44.4% of the Lichtenstein group and 37.5% of the TAPP group (p-value>0.999). On physical examination, there was no recurrence in both techniques. Returning to work took more than one month for 44.4% of Lichtenstein members and 25% of TAPP members (p=0.555). Conclusion: Absence of statistical difference to determine which was the best surgical technique applied during the task force at HUCM. However, Lichtenstein meets the needs of the institution, given the socioeconomic conditions, defined by the limited access to the laparoscopic technique by SUS.