Comparative study of skin staples and polypropylene sutures for securing the mesh in lichtenstein's tension free inguinal hernia repair: A Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The tension-free hernioplasty as introduced by Lichtenstein has gained increasing acceptance during the last decade. This study compared two methods of mesh fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients undergoing sixty repairs were randomized into two groups. In control group polypropylene mesh was secured with 2/0 polypropylene sutures and skin closed with 2/0 polyamide black. In study group polypropylene mesh was secured with skin staples and skin was closed with staples from the same stapler. Duration of the surgery was recorded. RESULTS: The operation was significantly shorter when staples were used (median 42 min 30 s versus 54 min 30 s, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications or pain. There were no recurrences in either group in the follow up period (median 12 months). CONCLUSION: This technique of mesh fixation is as effective as conventional fixation with polypropylene sutures with an important added advantage; significant reduction in the operative time.