ABSTRACT
Background: The Desarda repair for inguinal hernias is a new tissue-based technique. Application of the external oblique muscle aponeurosis in the form of un-detached strip has been established as a new concept in tissue-based hernia repair.Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 126 cases with 148 inguinal hernias repaired by Desarda’s technique for a period of 3 years in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The details pertaining to duration of hospital stay, pain, ambulation and complications were recorded.Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.4 years. Mean operating time was 62.5 min for unilateral and 123 min for bilateral hernias. About 97.8% patients were ambulatory within 6.42 hours and were freely mobile within 19.26 hours after surgery. About 96.4% patients returned to work within 6-14 days. About 91.26% patients were discharged on same day. The mean hospital stay duration of the patients was 1.11 days. Postoperative pain on movement out of bed was described as mild and tolerable in 92.6% patients on day 1. Two patients had seroma that subsided on its own. There were no long-term complications, recurrence of the hernias or chronic groin pain.Conclusions: The results of this new technique (Desarda repair) using continuous absorbable sutures appear promising. The continuous suturing saves time and just one packet of suture material without mesh saves cost.