Evaluation of the effects of absorbable and nonabsorbable tacks on laparoscopic suprapubic hernia repair: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundThe contradictory results of fixation methods concerning the pubic region are an obstacle to define a standardized procedure for laparoscopic repair of suprapubic hernia (LRSPH). This study aims to evaluate the effects of different tacks on LRSPH. Materials and methodsSeventy-three patients (70 females, three males) with suprapubic hernia were admitted and had LRSPH. Absorbable tacks were used in 42 (57.5%) patients (AG group), whereas nonabsorbable tacks were used in 31 (42.5%) patients (NAG group). Patient characteristics and demographics, previous operations, previous hernia repairs, size of the defect, size of the mesh, type of the mesh, type of the tacks, operative time, conversion rate, complications, recurrences, follow-up time, numeric pain rating scale (NRS), prolonged use of analgesics and early termination of analgesics were evaluated as variables. ResultsNRS results were significantly lower in the AG group regarding the postoperative day one (p < 0.001) and 10 (p:0.004), whereas there was no statistically significant difference on postoperative sixth week. Prolonged use of analgesics was significantly higher in NAG, whereas early termination of analgesics was significantly higher in AG (p < 0.001). There was no patient with complaints of pain that restricted daily activities on sixth month and the following annually visits. ConclusionAbsorbable tacks had satisfactory results with a reduction of pain and lower rates of using analgesics. However, considering the similar results of groups on long-term follow-up, it would be inaccurate to explain this situation with the property of absorption. Although the failure of attempts to bony structures during fixation with absorbable tacks could explain the lack of deep penetration, further studies are required to verify this view.