Abstract:Objective To explore the application of laparoscopic tension-free repair for inguinal hernia in elderly patients and its influence on stress response.Methods A total of 104 elderly patients with inguinal hernia treated at Zhangjiagang First People's Hospital from September 2022 to September 2024 were retrospectively selected to be included in the study, and were divided into the observation and control groups according to different surgical methods, with 52 cases in each. Both groups received tension-free hernia repair, while the control and observation groups underwent conventional open surgery and laparoscopic surgery, respectively. Perioperative indicators, pain intensity, stress response, complications and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group, the observation group had a longer operative duration but shorter postoperative exhaust time, earlier ambulation, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications (P < 0.05). Comparison of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at rest between the observation group and the control group before surgery and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively showed that they were different across the time points (P < 0.05) and between the groups (P < 0.05), with the observation group having lower VAS scores and relatively milder pain postoperatively. The change trend in VAS scores differed between the two groups (P < 0.05). The differences in cortisol, serum amyloid A (SAA), norepinephrine (NE), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels before and after surgery were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Comparison of SF-36 scores between the observation group and the control group before surgery and 3 and 6 months postoperatively revealed that they were different across the time points (P < 0.05) and between the groups (P < 0.05), with the observation group having higher SF-36 scores postoperatively and relatively better quality of life. The change trend in SF-36 scores was also different between the two groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion Laparoscopic tension-free repair for inguinal hernia in elderly patients is effective in promoting rapid postoperative recovery, alleviating postoperative pain and stress responses, improving quality of life, and reducing complications.