Randomized clinical trial comparing 5-year recurrence rate after laparoscopic versus Shouldice repair of primary inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: The Shouldice technique is the 'gold standard' of open non-mesh hernia repair. The aim of this study was to compare 5-year recurrence rates after Shouldice and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal patch (TAPP) repair for primary inguinal hernia.

METHOD: Men with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to either Shouldice or TAPP operation. An independent observer scored the surgeons' performance. Follow-up comprised clinical examination after 1 year, a questionnaire after 2 and 3 years, and a clinical examination after 5 years.

RESULTS: Between February 1993 and March 1996, 1183 patients were included. Nine hundred and twenty patients were followed for 5 years, 454 in the TAPP group and 466 in the Shouldice group. Recurrences were evenly distributed between groups throughout the follow-up period. The cumulative recurrence rate after 5 years was 6.6 per cent in the TAPP group and 6.7 per cent in the Shouldice group. Postoperative pain was a risk factor for recurrence after Shouldice operation but not after TAPP repair. There was a correlation between a low surgeon's performance score and recurrence.

CONCLUSION: The 5-year recurrence rate is acceptable, with no difference between TAPP and Shouldice repair. Poor operative performance resulted in a higher recurrence rate. The TAPP operation represents an excellent alternative for primary inguinal hernia repair.