Background: Different methods are found for mesh fixation in inguinal hernioplasty both open and laparoscopic. In open technique, sutures have been the method of choice for their reduced costs and surgeons’ habits. Whether absorbable instead of non-absorbable sutures can be used still a matter of debate in view of hernia recurrence and post-operative complications.Methods: This is a prospective done on 158 male patients with uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernias. Two groups of 69 patients were evaluated after periods up to 1 year after open hernioplasty by using delayed absorbable sutures in one group (group 1) and non-absorbable sutures in the other group (group 2) for fixation of mesh.Results: In spite of a noticeable reduction in complication in the group 1 in term of number and percentage when compared with group 2 mainly chronic pain, there is no significant difference (p value>0.05). However, these results are associated with zero recurrence in both groups during a period of one year follow up.Conclusions: Delayed absorbable sutures are good alternative of non-absorbable sutures in open mesh hernia repair associated with less complications and almost no increase in chance of recurrence.

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