Long-term outcomes of single-incision versus multiport laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal inguinal hernia repair: a single-institution experience of 186 consecutive cases

Purpose This retrospective study was conducted to compare the long-term outcomes of single-incision totally extraperitoneal (S-TEP) inguinal hernia repair and conventional multiport totally extraperitoneal (M-TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods The study population included 186 consecutive patients (S-TEP, n = 149; M-TEP, n = 37) who underwent elective surgery for inguinal hernia at Osaka Police Hospital between 2011 and 2013. Results No significant between-group difference was found in patient or hernia characteristics or in perioperative outcomes, with the exception of age (S-TEP group vs. M-TEP group: median 69 [IQR 60–75] years vs. 64 [55–69] years, respectively; P = 0.019). Furthermore, no significant between-group difference was found in follow-up time (5.5 [3.0–5.8] vs. 5.4 [3.1–5.7] years, P = 0.839), recurrence rate (0.6 vs. 2.4%, P = 0.358), chronic pain (1.2 vs. 0%, P = 1.000), feeling the mesh (2.3 vs. 7.1%, P = 0.142), or movement limitation (0.6 vs. 0%, P = 1.000). All chronic symptoms were “mild but not bothersome.” A metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia developed in 8.1% of patients. Conclusion The long-term outcomes of S-TEP repair were comparable to those of M-TEP, with rates of recurrence, chronic pain, feeling the mesh, and movement limitation falling within acceptable limits.