Publication:

Delayed complications after open inguinal hernia repair: a comparison of two techniques

Background The open preperitoneal repair offers the benefits of placing the mesh in the preferred position while avoiding the disadvantages of laparoscopic repair.

Methods A total of 60 patients with bilateral inguinal hernias were randomized to undergo either the standard Lichtenstein meshplasty or the modified iliopubic tract repair in a teaching hospital. Outcomes measured were chronic inguinal pain, groin numbness, and recurrence.

Results Delayed complications like chronic inguinal pain and numbness were not seen in the iliopubic tract group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). One patient in the Lichtenstein repair group had recurrence of hernia. There were no recurrences in the iliopubic tract repair group. This difference again, was not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusions The iliopubic tract repair offers an excellent alternative to the Lichtenstein meshplasty, and is associated with lower incidence of delayed neurological complications, recurrence rates on par with the gold standard Lichtenstein meshplasty.