Operative outcomes and short-term complications of laparoscopic TAPP versus open Lichtenstein tension-free inguinal hernia repair: a multicenter retrospective study from Palestine

This study aimed to evaluate the operative characteristics and short-term postoperative complications among patients with inguinal hernia managed using either a laparoscopic or open approach in Palestine. A total of 289 patients were included (91.0% male), with the 55–74-year-old group representing the most common age category (33.2%). Right-sided inguinal hernias were more frequent, and the median operative duration was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group compared to the open repair group (25 [IQR: 20–27] vs. 60 [IQR: 28–90] minutes; U = 3678.5, p < 0.001). The median hospital stay was also shorter for laparoscopic patients than for those undergoing open repair (8 [IQR: 7–10] vs. 10 [IQR: 8–24] hours; U = 3741, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients experiencing one-week postoperative complications between the groups ( p = 0.318). In this retrospective cohort, laparoscopic TAPP repair was associated with shorter operative duration and in-hospital stay compared to open Lichtenstein repair, with no significant difference in one-week postoperative complications. Extended follow-up is necessary to evaluate recurrence, chronic pain, and other long-term outcomes.