To compare the efficacy, rehabilitation and cost-effectiveness of Lichtenstein hernia repair versus laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) for inguinal hernia treatment.

In this retrospective controlled study, clinical data of 260 patients with inguinal hernia who were admitted to Suining Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Suining Central Hospital between June 2022 and June 2024 were analyzed. According to the different surgical methods, they were divided into the Lichtenstein group (n=132) and the TAPP group (n=128). Surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery metrics, and costs of the two groups of patients were compared.

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Both techniques demonstrated equivalent surgical success rates and comparable rates of overall complications and 1-year recurrence (all P>0.05). Compared with the TAPP group, the Lichtenstein group had a shorter operation time [(55.8±11.0) vs. (74.9±12.4) minutes, P<0.001], lower incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (0.8% vs. 6.3%, P<0.05), and superior early recovery evidenced by shorter time to oral intake and ambulation, reduced urinary catheterization rate (all P<0.05), and higher patient satisfaction scores [(8.9±0.8) vs. (7.2±1.1), P<0.05]. Health economic analysis showed significantly lower median total costs for the Lichtenstein group (5510.4 Yuan vs. 9261.3 Yuan, P<0.01), driven predominantly by savings in anesthesia and material expenses.

Lichtenstein and TAPP repairs have comparable success rates, overall complications, and recurrence rates for inguinal hernia. The Lichtenstein approach offers distinct advantages in operative efficiency, enhanced early recovery, and significant cost savings. From a multi-dimensional perspective, the Lichtenstein procedure remains a practical option.