Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene mesh fixed with sutures vs. self-fixating polypropylene mesh: a prospective randomized comparative study

Purpose Chronic postoperative pain is probably the most significant complication of tension-free inguinal hernia repair as its presence can considerably affect the life quality of the patient. Different mesh materials and different surgical techniques for mesh fixation have been applied to reduce chronic postoperative pain, with controversial, nevertheless, results. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the effect of a relatively new mesh with self-fixating properties, used to repair inguinal hernia with the Lichtenstein technique, on early and chronic postoperative pain. Methods Between June 2009 and June 2010, 50 patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia were treated using the Lichtenstein technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a polypropylene mesh, fixed with polypropylene sutures ( n = 25; group A), or a self-fixating polypropylene mesh with resorbable polylactic acid microgrips ( n = 25; group B). Demographic data were recorded. Early and chronic postoperative pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Duration of surgery, complications, length of hospitalization and recurrence were also recorded. Results No statistical difference was found between the two groups in association to demographic data. Operating time was 53.4 ± 12.5 and 44.4 ± 7.2 min in groups A and B, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( p