To compare clinical effect between open inguinal hernia repair and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in country-level hospital.

A total number of 218 consecutive adult cases with inguinal hernia were analyzed retrospectively from January 2016 to December 2017. The patients were divided into open group performed with Lichtenstein repair (n=102) and laparoscopic group performed with laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP, n=116). The clinical data, operation data and complications incidence were analyzed.

The median follow-up time was 651 days. No recurrence or infection case was observed in both 2 groups. The outcome between open group and TAPP group is as follows: postoperative uroschesis occurred in 7 cases (6.9%) and 8 cases (6.9%) respectively without significant difference (P=0.799); seroma occurred in 12 cases (11.8%) and 25 cases (21.5%) with significant difference (P=0.042); analgesics was used in 25 cases (24.5%) and 4 cases (3.4%) with significant difference (P=0.009); the median return-to-work time was both 4 days but with significant difference (P=0.026), the median operation time was 50 and 70 minutes with significant difference (P<0.001); hospital cost was 4 425 and 7 425 yuan with significant difference (P<0.001); chronic pain occurred in 0 and 2 cases (2.0%) with significant difference (P=0.001).

An equal effect between open group and TAPP group was observed. Whereas, it is necessary to undergo professional training and build connection with superior hospital during the initial period.