Publication:

A comparative study of postoperative complications of lightweight mesh and conventional prolene mesh in Lichtenstein hernia repair

Background Inguinal hernia repair is the most frequently performed operation in any general surgical unit. The complications of using the mesh has been the rationale to examine the role of mesh in hernia repair in detail and to begin investigating the biocompatibility of different mesh modifications and to challenge old mesh concepts. Therefore the present study is undertaken to compare the lightweight mesh (Ultrapro) with conventional prolene mesh in lichtenstein hernia repair.

Methods Thirty one patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia was subjected either to lightweight mesh Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty or standard prolene mesh Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty. The patients were followed in the surgical OPD at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year for time taken to return to normal activities, chronic groin pain, foreign body sensation, seroma formation and recurrence.

Results Chronic pain among patients in standard prolene mesh group at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year follow up was seen in 45.2%, 16% and 3.2% of the patients respectively, in light weight mesh group patients at 1 month, 6 month and 1 year follow up was 32.2%, 6.4% and none at one year respectively.   Foreign body sensation in the light weight mesh group is significantly less compared to patients in standard prolene mesh group. Time taken to return to work was relatively shorter among patients in Light weight mesh group. There was no recurrence in both groups.

Conclusion Light weight mesh is an ideal choice in Lichenstein’s hernioplasty whenever feasible.