Randomized comparison of self-fixating and sutured mesh in open inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND

Chronic groin pain after mesh repair of inguinal hernia has been attributed to the presence of sutures.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial compared inguinal hernia repair using a self-fixating composite mesh or a sutured lightweight mesh, with pain at 1 year as primary outcome. Patients completed a self-evaluation questionnaire at 2 weeks and were examined after 1 year.

RESULTS

Some 198 patients received self-fixating mesh and 196 sutured mesh. There were no differences between the groups in mean pain scores measured on a visual analogue scale during 2 weeks of immediate convalescence or at 1 year. Chronic pain and discomfort was experienced by 36.3 per cent of patients in the self-fixating and 34.1 per cent in the sutured mesh group (P = 0.658), affecting the everyday life of 1.1 and 2.8 per cent respectively (P = 0.448).

CONCLUSION

Open inguinal hernia repair with a composite self-fixating mesh resulted in similar pain in the early postoperative convalescence period and at 1 year as repair with a sutured lightweight mesh.