Clinical and epidemiological analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty

Abstract

Objective: To assess the safety and outcomes especially chronic postoperative pain [CPOP] of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP/TEP) in a public tertiary hospital. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort based on medical records of adults undergoing TAPP/TEP (Jan/2023–Aug/2025), with chart review using a standardized form. Demographic/clinical/surgical data were collected; early postoperative complications (≤30 days), late outcomes (>30 days), and CPOP at 3 months. Descriptive and comparative analyses. The study was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Results: 63 patients were included (92.1% men; 76.2% with preoperative pain >6 months). Early complications: hematoma 13% and seroma 7.8%. On follow-up: no infection; recurrence 9.5%; lower urinary tract symptoms 7.0%; sexual dysfunction 4.8%; paresthesia 4.8%. CPOP occurred in 44.2% (TAPP 41.7% vs TEP 57.1%; no difference). No robust differences were observed between TAPP and TEP in the main outcomes, in view of the small sample size and incomplete data. Conclusion: Laparoscopy proved feasible and safe, with acceptable complication and recurrence rates, but with clinically relevant CPOP in a population with a high prevalence of preoperative pain. Limitations include retrospective design, short follow-up, and missing data, supporting the need for standardization and ≥12–24-month follow-up.