Publication:

Study of the Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty and its post-operative complications for different types of inguinal hernia

Background Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty is the commonly done surgery for inguinal hernias. The present study is aimed to study the Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty and its postoperative complications for different types of inguinal hernia.

Methods This prospective study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Hoskote, Bangalore Rural, Karnataka. A total of 90 patients were selected for this study. Subjects with the age of 21 to 75 years with inguinal hernia are included in the study. A pre-designed proforma was used to collect their details. All selected cases were studied up to discharge regarding the type of hernia and followed up in OPD for 1 year regarding post-operative complications.

Results Immediate post-op complications like seroma/hematoma was observed in 10 (11.1%), wound infection was in 5 (5.5%) and orchitis was in 2 (2.2%). Post-operative complications like stiffness in lower abdomen was observed in 21 (23.3%) patients. Long term complications like forein body sensation was experienced by 22 (24.4) patients post-operatively at 1 month follow up, 8 (8.8%) patients at 3 months follow up and 3 (3.3) patients at 1 year follow up.  Chronic pain was experienced by 17 (18.8%) patients at the end of 1 month follow up, at 3 month follow up, 13 (14.4%) patients and at the end of 1 year of follow up 4 (4.4%) patients at operated site. Recurrence was not observed in any of the patient.

Conclusions The study findings indicate that Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty was safe and reliable procedure for inguinal hernia repair.