Comparison of Lichtenstein repair and mesh plug repair methods in the outcome of inguinal hernia

Abstract

Background: Over 20 million people have inguinal hernia repairs every year, making it one of the most frequent operations performed worldwide. The goal of a successful hernia repair is to minimize the rate of recurrence while enabling the patient to quickly and comfortably resume normal activities. Aim: To evaluate an improved and simple technique in inguinal hernia patients between mesh plug with patch repair and Lichtenstein repair techniques and to identify which technique is superior. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 96 patients (48 Group A, 48 Group B) who underwent inguinal hernia surgery in the Department of General Surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital for a year (October 2018–September 2019). Before surgery, the two groups were assessed for study parameters, operated, and complications were compared between patients. Patients were monitored for 2 years. Observation: No statistically significant differences were found between the study parameters and complications (P > 0.05). This difference between the two groups with respect to the duration of surgery, mean duration of hospital stay in patients, and day 1 pain in both the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05) with a positive inclination toward the mesh plug system. Conclusion: Mesh plug repair was observed to be safe and easier. It shortens the duration of operation and hospitalization and is superior to Lichtenstein’s technique regarding postoperative pain and quality of life.