Comparison of lightweight mesh and heavyweight mesh in inguinal hernia repair: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To systematic review the efficacy and safety of use of lightweight versus heavyweight mesh in inguinal hernia repair. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese biomedicine literature database, Chinese Journal full-text database and Chinese Scientific Journals full-text database for randomized controlled trials comparing lightweight mesh with heavyweight mesh in inguinal hernia repair. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of included studies. We analyzed the statistic data using Review Manager (version 5.3). Results 19 randomized controlled trials were included. Meta analysis showed that there was no significant difference between lightweight mesh and heavyweight mesh in recurrence rate [RR=0.82, 95% CI (0.56, 1.19), P=0.30], but significant differences were existed in chronic groin pain [RR=0.68, 95% CI (0.57,0.81), P<0.000 1], foreign body sensation [RR=0.67, 95% CI (0.56, 0.81), P<0.000 1] and complication incidence [RR=0.63, 95% CI (0.51, 0.77), P<0.000 1]. Conclusion Compared with heavyweight mesh, the application of lightweight mesh for inguinal hernia repair was similar in hernia recurrence rate. Lightweight mesh reduced the incidence of chronic groin pain and the risk of foreign body sensation as well as complication incidence. Key words: Hernia, inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Lightweight mesh; Heavyweight mesh; Meta analysis