INGUINODYNIA IN MESH VERSUS DARN REPAIR

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is the most common procedure in general surgery, ranging
from 10 to 15% of all surgical procedures. Chronic groin pain following Mesh operation may lead to
potential complication and its incidence can be as high as 62.9%. A quarter of these patients suffer from
severe impairment in carrying out their daily routine. Chronic groin pain affect physical and social
functioning, thereby limiting the individual’s ability to participate in any paid employment.
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the outcome of mesh repair and darning in term of
chronic groin pain in the understudy group.
METHODS: All men, who consented for the study, with primary inguinal hernia between age of 18 to
80 years were included in the study. Patients having bilateral, irreducible strangulated or recurrent hernia
were excluded from the study. Patients were non randomly divided in to two groups, to have the repair
with either polypropylene mesh (Lichtenstien Technique) or polypropylene dam (Anatomical repair).
RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were included in the study. 3 patients were excluded because of
having another type of hernia or bilateral repair needed. 98 patients had anatomic repair while in 99
patients mesh repair (LR) was done. The mean age of the anatomical group was 61.2 years (SD= 12.7)
while the mean age of mesh group was 58.3 years (SD=12.1). Statistical analysis did not reveal a
significant disparity between mesh repair versus anatomic repair with regards to the incidence of
superficial SSIs (0 vs 2%, P=0.497), testicular swelling (4 vs 1%, P=0.369), hematoma (3vs 2%, P =
0.99), recurrence (0 vs 2%, P = 0.497), or pain (12 vs 7%, P = 0.335).
CONCLUSION: It was concluded that anatomical repair can still be offered to the patient who has an
inguinal hernia with knowledge that postoperative complications are not greater than that with mesh
repair.
KEYWORDS: Inguinodynia Mesh Plasty