To compare laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) and open preperitoneal repair under local anesthesia for the treatment of femoral hernia.

From January 2015 to June 2016, the clinical data of 40 patients with femoral hernia treated in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the laparoscopic group and the open group according to different surgical methods. 22 cases (55%) of the laparoscopic group were treated with TAPP; 18 cases (45%) of the open group were treated with open preperitoneal hernia repair. The hospitalization time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, leaving bed time, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative local hematoma and infection were compared between the two groups.

There was no significant difference between the laparoscopic group and the open group in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative pain, postoperative hospital stay (P>0.05). The difference in the leaving bed time after operation was statistically significant (P<0.05), which was considered related to the anesthesia method. There were no complications such as hematoma and infection in the two groups. The local pain was mild, and no chronic pain occurred. After 6 to 18 months of follow-up, there were no recurrences in the laparoscopic group and the open group.

For experienced surgeons, there is no significant difference between TAPP and open preperitoneal hernia repair for femoral hernia. Two different surgical methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the appropriate surgical method should be selected basing on preoperative evaluation and surgical skill level of the surgeon.