Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty: sutures versus glue.

INTRODUCTION

This was a prospective, randomised study undertaken from January 2001 to July 2003 firstly to assess the possibility of using glues to fix meshes, secondly to verify whether or not this leads to a higher hernia recurrence rate, and thirdly to assess post-operative pain.

METHODS

This study covered a total of 55 patients with bilateral hernias who presented similar characteristics on both sides and on whom fixation of the mesh was undertaken differently, depending on the side. On the right side polypropylene sutures were used (prolene 2/0), while on the left, attachment was done using glue (Tissucol).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Results were similar in both inguinal regions, although there was less post-operative pain and less inflammatory reaction on the left side. There was no hernia recurrence in the follow-up at the end of 1 year.