To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of transabdominal preperitoneal prosthesis (TAPP) and Kugel operation (open preperitoneal hernioplasty) in adult inguinal hernia.

The clinical data of 86 adults with inguinal hernia treated in our hospital from January 2016 to October 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into TAPP group and Kugel group according to the operative methods, each 43 cases. The data was analyzed with statistical software SPSS20.0. The intraoperative and postoperative indicators, and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of the two groups were represented in the form of (±s) and compared with independent sample t test. The incidence of complications and relapse after the surgeries was compared with χ² test. P<0.05 indicated that the difference was statistical.

For the unilateral inguinal hernia surgery, TAPP group had much longer operation time and higher hospitalizaton expenses but for the unilateral inguinal hernia and bilateral inguinal hernia surgery, lower pain VAS score and shorter hospitalization stay were found in the TAPP group (P<0.05). The incidence of seroma of TAPP group was 9.3% (4/43), which was much higher than that of Kugel group (0, P<0.05). And the incidence of chronic pain of TAPP group was 0, which was significantly lower than 9.3% of Kugel group (P<0.05). There were no difference in the incidence and relapse rate of urinary retention, foreign body sensation and ecchymosis between the two groups(P>0.05).

TAPP and Kugel operation are safe and effective in treating adult inguinal hernia both. TAPP has advantages of postoperative pain and detection of concealed hernia, Kugel is more adaptive to different anaesthesia and more economical. The choice of surgery procedure is up to the condition of patient as well as experience of the surgeons.