A randomised controlled study to compare the extended view totally extraperitoneal and transabdominal pre-peritoneal in terms of early post-operative complications in groin hernias.

INTRODUCTION

The extended-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique is designed to overcome the limited working space and fixed port constraints of conventional totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair. This study aimed to provide a direct, randomised comparison of early outcomes between the eTEP approach and the transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) technique for groin hernias.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A prospective, randomised, single-blind, parallel-group trial was conducted at a tertiary care centre. Seventy patients were allocated to either eTEP or TAPP repair (35 per group). Early post-operative complications - defined as post-operative pain, seroma and scrotal hematoma - were assessed as the primary composite endpoint. Key secondary endpoints included operative time, intraoperative complications, blood loss, hospital stay and early recurrence.

RESULTS

Demographic and hernia characteristics were comparable at baseline. While Visual Analogue Scale pain scores decreased significantly over time in both groups ( P < 0.001), there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at any assessed interval. Seroma was clinically detected in three patients (8.6%) in the eTEP group at 1 week, all of which resolved spontaneously; no seromas occurred in the TAPP group ( P = 0.239). The median operative time was significantly shorter for eTEP (85 min, interquartile range [IQR]: 76-103) compared to TAPP (94 min, IQR: 87-110; P = 0.011). Rates of intraoperative complications, blood loss and mean hospital stay were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Both eTEP and TAPP are safe and effective for groin hernia repair, demonstrating comparable early post-operative pain and morbidity. The eTEP technique was associated with a statistically significant reduction in operative time, positioning it as a valuable surgical alternative to TAPP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2023/09/057520).