Riga 1999.

Methods	Randomisation was provided by an independent computer consultant using a teable of random numbers. The envelopes, containing the operation to be performed, were opened at admission.
Participants	117 patients with synptomatice primary inguinal hernia. Exclusion criteria included patients unsuitable for general anaesthesia and pneumoperitoneum, with previous lower abdominal surgery, and complicated hernias
Interventions	Laparoscopic versus open mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy. Laparoscopic group: (n=53) repair performed by the TAPP technique. All patients were given general anaesthesia. Open group: (n=52) repair performed by the Lichtenstein technique. All patients were given a local anaesthesia.
Outcomes	Included data items: Operation time (mins) Postoperative hospital stay Intraoperative complications Postoperative complications Return to normal activities and work Other data items: Use of analgesia Postoperative pain (day 1&2)
Notes
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Allocation concealment?	Low risk	A ‐ Adequate