To compare the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) and Lichtenstein repair for adult inguinal hernia.

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 915 patients with inguinal hernia in Chifeng Municipal Hospital from January 2016 to January 2020. Of the patients, 575 cases were treated with TAPP, and 340 underwent Lichtenstein hernia repair. Retrospective analysis was performed on the perioperative indicators, postoperative pain degree, postoperative complications and recurrence rate of the two groups.

All operations in the two groups were successful. The operation time and first activity time out of bed were significantly longer in TAPP group than in Lichtenstein group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other perioperative indicators (blood loss, postoperative stay), postoperative pain visual analogue scores (1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 6 months after operation), postoperative complications (foreign body sensation, hematoma/ seroma, incision infection, urinary retention) and recurrence rate (P>0.05).

Both TAPP and Lichtenstein hernia repair are safe and effective for the treatment of inguinal hernia in adults, the Lichtenstein group had shorter operation time and the first time out of bed. The surgical method should be selected individually according to the patient's conditions.