Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty: the extreme refinement in hernia surgery

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is the most commonly performed operation, owing to a significant lifetime incidence and variety of successful treatment modalities. The Lichtenstein tension-free repair has become the dominant method of inguinal hernia repair. The advantages of this repair were its association with less pain, rapid postoperative recovery, early return to normal activity and very low recurrence rate. We evaluated the treatment outcome of the tension free repair of inguinal hernias by the Lichtenstein mesh repair using polypropylene mesh.Methods: 200 patients treated for inguinal hernia with Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty between May 2015 to April 2016 were reviewed. Data recorded included age, sex, symptoms, site of hernia, unilateral or bilateral hernia, postoperative complications, and recurrence in follow up period of one year.Results: 55% patients had indirect and 41% had direct inguinal hernia while 4% had pantaloon hernia. Seroma occurred in 2% patients and hematoma in 6%. Superficial surgical site infection was seen in 3% patients. Transient testicular swelling was noticed in 7% patients.Conclusions: Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernioplasty is simple, safe, effective and economical and has good patient satisfaction and low recurrence rate.