Polyglycolic acid (Dexon) versus Mersilene in repair of inguinal hernia.

In a prospective, randomized study of 520 inguinal hernioplasties, the incidence of early and late complications was compared after suture with Mersilene or Dexon. The respective overall recurrence rates were 5.1 and 4.9%. Persistent neuralgia was more common in the Mersilene group, necessitating late resection of the ilioinguinal nerve in two patients. Suture fistula occurred after one Mersilene repair. The study indicates that Dexon (absorbable polyglycolic acid) suture is reliable for preventing recurrent hernia. No serious complications were associated with its use.