A randomized comparison of physical performance following laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair. The Coala Trial Group.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Return to normal activity after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has been reported to occur sooner than after conventional repair. METHODS: As part of a randomized study, the ability of patients to return to normal activity was assessed by measuring abdominal muscular performance with an exercise test. In addition, patients completed a questionnaire concerning activities of daily life (ADL) and were asked when they returned to normal activities. All patients were given similar instructions for resumption of activities. RESULTS: Patients who had a laparoscopic repair returned to normal activities sooner (6 versus 10 days; P = 0.0003). One week after operation, these patients were able to perform more repetitions of both exercise (14 versus two straight leg raises; 16 versus seven curled sit ups; both P < 0.0001) and their ADL scores were significantly better (89 versus 72; P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hernia repair results in a quicker recovery.