Polyglactine/polypropylene mesh vs. propylene mesh: is there a need for newer prosthesis in inguinal hernia?

To compare outcomes of light and heavy weight mesh for repair of inguinal hernia. This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery; Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of mesh implanted for inguinal hernia repair. Group 1 included patients in whom light weight composite [VyproII] mesh is implanted: Group 2 included patients in whom polypropylene [Prolene] mesh is implanted. Data concerning the complications and post operative pain in the perioperative and postoperative period were collected and analyzed. Categorical data were presented as percentages with 95% confidence intervals and compared using a x[2] test and P < 0.05 were considered significant. Following allocation and exclusion of violating cases, 111 patients in group 1 and 138 patients in group 2 were analyzed. The mean age in group 1 was 38.20 +/- 13.34 years and in group 2 was 39.55 +/- 13.70 [P = 0.434]. In group 1, hematoma formation was observed in four cases [3.6%] while it was observed in six cases [4.2%] in group 2 [P = 0.766]. During the entire study, ten patients in all developed urinary retention, three of which required transient catheterization. One year post operation, there was a recurrence in only five cases overall, while only two patients complained of pain [P = 0.826]. The frequency of postoperative pain and complications in patients was similar in both groups

Early outcome of Lichtenstein technique of tension-free open mesh repair for inguinal hernia

To evaluate the early outcome of Lichtenstein's technique for repair of inguinal hernia using polypropylene mesh. This was a descriptive study conducted over a period of twelve months from 1[st] July 2007 to 30[th] June 2008 in Surgical 'B' unit, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. One hundred and twelve patients were received through the out patient department with diagnosis of inguinal hernia. Inclusion criteria was patients above the age of 18 years, reducible hernia, evidence of swelling in groin >2 months. Exclusion criteria was age less than 18 years, chronic constipation, chronic cough, symptoms of prostatism, irreducible hernia, obstructed hernia, strangulated hernia and patients with diabetes mellitus. All the patients were subjected to inguinal mesh repair using the Lichtenstein technique with polypropylene mesh. Mean age of patients was 48.78 +/- 14.41 years. Sixty patients [53.6%] had right sided inguinal hernia while 46 patients [41.1%] had a left sided hernia and 6 patients [5.4%] had bilateral hernia. Sixty two patients [55.4%] had indirect hernia and 43 [38.4%] cases had direct hernia. Sixteen cases [14.3%] had previous history of surgery for hernia on the same side [recurrent hernia]. Mild pain was observed in 53 cases [47.3%], moderate pain in 42 cases [37.5%], and severe pain in 17 cases [15.2%]. Four patients [3.6%] in all developed a seroma Two patients [1.8%] developed a haematoma that required drainage. Three patients [2.7%] had a prolonged recovery and presented with abdominal distension. Five cases presented with infected wounds. Lichtenstein's technique of inguinal mesh repair is a safe and effective procedure but emerging trends anticipates the implementation of day case surgery