[The classical or laparoscopic operation in inguinal hernias].

Aim: Results evaluation in two trials of patients undergoing classical or laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia.

Material And Method: We compared 2 homogeneous trials of 80 patients with inguinal hernias treated by classic procedures: Bassini, Shouldice, Lichtenstein (trial I) or by laparoscopic approach with Plastex, Mercilene or Prolene prosthesis (trial II) between 1995-1997.

Results: Postoperative morbidity consisted in trial I in 5 seromas, 2 hematomas, 4 cases with neuralgic pain, 1 with testicular hypotrophy and 4 recurrences. In this trial the mean operative time was 22 min. and the mean hospitalization was 7 days. In trial II we registered a parietal bleeding at a lateral port imposing the conversion, 3 serohematomas, 2 recurrences by displacement of the prosthesis and 2 cases of neurologic pain. The mean operative time was 50 minutes and the mean hospitalization was 3 days.

Conclusion: In spite of the longer operative time and the higher cost (the price of the prosthesis), in trial II the benefits of shorter hospitalization, lower morbidity and rapid socioprofessional reintegration are significant.