Publication:

Comparative study of polyester vs polypropylene mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Background Despite of convincing advantages offered by meshes, their use in hernia surgery remains controversial due to their long-term effects. A lighter and softer mesh may decrease chronic pain and recurrence by creating less fibrosis in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Methods This study was conducted with an aim to evaluate the incidence of chronic groin pain and recurrence in polyester mesh and polypropylene mesh groups of patients in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernioplasty. 40 patients with simple uncomplicated inguinal hernia subjected to TEP hernioplasty using either Polyester mesh or Polypropylene mesh after being randomized into two groups over a period of one year at Department of General Surgery at SSG Hospital, Baroda. Operative data were recorded, and the patients were followed-up accordingly. Independent assessors were assigned to obtain incidence of chronic groin pain and recurrence and other secondary outcomes.

Results Chronic pain, post-operative pain scores, duration of hospital stay, early return to daily activity, and feeling of lump were significantly lower with polyester mesh as compared to Polypropylene mesh. However, there was no significant difference in both the groups with respect to recurrence and post-operative complications.

Conclusions A polyester mesh has better long-term outcomes for chronic pain, post-operative pain scores, duration of hospital stay, early return to daily activity, and feeling of lump compared with a polypropylene mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.