Publication:

Comparison between the composite heavy weight prolene mesh versus the prolene soft mesh for the reduction in post-operative pain in patients undergoing lichensteins mesh repair for inguinal hernias

Background Globally, inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia, comprising of approximately 75% of all abdominal wall hernias.Aim of the study was to compare the heavyweight composite polypropylene mesh versus the prolene soft mesh for the reduction of post-operative pain in patients undergoing lichensteins mesh repair for inguinal hernia.

Methods This study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum attached to KLE University’s J.N.M.C Belgaum.

Results Male preponderance was seen with 96.67% of patients in group SP and all (100%) patients in group RP were males. The mean age in group SP was 51.93±18.73 years compared to 49.50±14.03 years in group RP (p=0.571). The mean duration of the disease was 12.67±9.85 months in group SP whereas in group RP it was 15.10±8.98 months (p=0.321). The mean pulse rate in group SP and RP (79.60±5.64 vs 82.37±5.46 /min; p=0.059), systolic blood pressure (120.33±9.99 vs 124.33±11.94 mmHg; p=0.165) and diastolic blood pressure (73.73±6.76 vs 75.80±8.59 mmHg; p=0.305) were comparable. Right position was noted in 56.67% of patients in group SP compared to 50% of patients in group RP (p=0.673).

Conclusions Prolene soft mesh (lightweight macro-porous polypropylene mesh) significantly reduced the post-operative pain in patients undergoing lichensteins mesh repair for inguinal hernia as compared to heavyweight composite polypropylene mesh.