Reconstruction of the inguinal hernia is one of the most common procedures performed by general
surgeons. The treatment includes only surgical methods, the main types of which nowadays are open
tension free repair and laparoscopic repair. The most common tension free method is the Lichtenstein
technique. TAPP and TEP are the keyhole of laparoscopic repair. There is debate as to whether better one
is the most commonly used Lichtenstein technique or new minimal invasive methods.
The purpose of this paper is to compare outcomes of open tension-free inguinal hernia repair with laparoscopic
repair based on a review of publications from years 2020–2022 available on the PubMed platform.
Open approach remains the most common procedure type of hernia treatment overall. Our review shows
that laparoscopic approach is associated with a lower risk of infection and chronic groin pain, less hemorrhage
volume, better cosmetic results and shorter hospital stay compared with open tension free repair.
However, it requires much more experience from the operator. The open Lichtenstein hernia repair is
considered as easy to perform and has better operative time. It also does not require general anesthesia.
The general costs related with laparoscopic repair are higher than Lichtenstein method, which may impact
the choice of the technique in some cases.
The advantages of the laparoscopic method of inguinal hernia repair make it a promising alternative to
the currently most widely used Lichtenstein method. However, cost-effectiveness and less difficulty in
mastering the technique speak for the open tension free repair. Further studies are necessary to settle
which method is the significantly better one.