To compare the impacts of laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) and transinguinal preperitoneal hernia repair (TIPP) on postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery and early rehabilitation in patients with unilateral inguinal hernia.

Data were collected from 120 patients with inguinal hernias who were admitted to Bayannur City Hospital and underwent surgical treatment from January 2023 to December 2024. Based on surgical technique, they were divided into a control group (TIPP procedure, 58 cases) and an observation group (TAPP procedure, 62 cases). The surgical-related indicators, recovery time of gastrointestinal function (resumption of bowel sounds, first flatus/ defecation), postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS), quality of life index for digestive diseases (GLQI), and complication rates were compared between the two groups of patients.

All patients completed follow-up with no dropouts. The operative times in the control group and observation group were (50.16±9.46) min and (46.33±8.02) min, respectively. The first ambulation time postoperatively was (7.86±1.15) h and (7.44±0.96) h, respectively. Postoperative hospitalization durations were (2.59±0.30) d and (1.94±0.22) d, respectively. The first passage of flatus time was (9.16±1.42) h and (8.58±1.25) h, respectively. The first defecation time was (25.21±3.23) h and (23.94±3.07) h, respectively. Bowel sound recovery time was (7.82±1.33) h and (7.25±1.24) h, respectively. Recovery time for oral intake was (8.34±1.21) h and (7.89±1.17) h, respectively. Postoperative VAS scores at day 1 were (3.89±0.92) points and (3.56±0.85) points, respectively. VAS scores at 1 week postoperatively were (1.97±0.43) points and (1.51±0.41) points, respectively. Postoperative GLQI scores at day 1 were (50.36±6.85) points and (53.17±6.94) points, respectively. GLQI scores at 1 week postoperatively were (58.31±8.27) points and (67.39±8.52) points, respectively. All these indicators showed significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The comparison of complication rates between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). There was no incomplete intestinal obstruction nor recurrence of hernia in the two groups.

TAPP treatment for unilateral inguinal hernia demonstrates superior efficacy to TIPP repair in alleviating early postoperative pain and promoting gastrointestinal function recovery, without increasing the risk of complications. It represents a surgical approach that facilitates faster patient recovery.