Comparison of the cost benefit of Laparoscopic technique versus the Lichtenstein technique in inguinal hernias rep

Abstract

Inguinal herniorrhaphy stands out as one of the most surgical procedures performed worldwide. However, there are few comparative studies between conventional and minimally invasive techniques. This study aimed to compare operational data and clinical evolution of patients who underwent surgical treatment of inguinal hernias using Lichtenstein and laparoscopic techniques. We retrospectively evaluated 45 patients who underwent inguinal herniorrhaphy between January 2016 and January 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were evaluated. Most patients were male, with an average age of 45.7 years. The mean time of surgery was shorter in the Lichtenstein technique, with an average of 65.6 minutes, while the level of pain in the immediate postoperative period was lower in laparoscopy. Two patients who underwent the Lichtenstein technique and 6 patients using the laparoscopic technique experienced complications. Laparoscopy offered an early return to daily activities. The average cost of surgeries was R$ 1526.38 and R$ 4694.06, for Lichtenstein and laparoscopic techniques, respectively. The laparoscopic procedure can be considered appropriate for the treatment of inguinal hernias, however, the reduction of costs intrinsic to the technique must be considered by the surgeon according to the patient's economic conditions.