Inguinodynia in Mesh Versus Darn Repair

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is the most common procedure in general surgery, rangingfrom 10 to 15% of all surgical procedures. Chronic groin pain following Mesh operation may lead topotential complication and its incidence can be as high as 62.9%. A quarter of these patients suffer fromsevere impairment in carrying out their daily routine. Chronic groin pain affect physical and socialfunctioning, 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 ofchronic groin pain in the understudy group.METHODS: All men, who consented for the study, with primary inguinal hernia between age of 18 to80 years were included in the study. Patients having bilateral, irreducible strangulated or recurrent herniawere excluded from the study. Patients were non randomly divided in to two groups, to have the repairwith 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 ofhaving another type of hernia or bilateral repair needed. 98 patients had anatomic repair while in 99patients 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 asignificant disparity between mesh repair versus anatomic repair with regards to the incidence ofsuperficial 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 aninguinal hernia with knowledge that postoperative complications are not greater than that with meshrepair.KEYWORDS: Inguinodynia Mesh Plasty