RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In inguinal hernia repair, the choice of mesh based on the characteristics of a single piece of mesh remains controversial. The long-term outcome of hernia recurrence and mesh-specific complications need to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 3D Max mesh versus common mesh for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair on surgical outcomes and quality of life. METHODS: 142 patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernia who received treatment between February 2013 and January 2016 in Qinhuangdao Cerebrovascular Disease Hospital were included in this study. These patients consisted of 131 males and 11 females and were aged 18-60 years. They were randomly divided into a 3D Max mesh group (n=80) and ordinary mesh group (n=62) according to the mesh materials used. Surgical details and outcomes, recurrence rate, complications and hospitalization costs were recorded. Quality of life was evaluated before surgery, 2 weeks and 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery using the Carolinas Comfort Scale. The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qinhuangdao Cerebrovascular Disease Hospital, China (approval No. 2013-002-02). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The operation time, time to ambulation, and hospitalization expense in the 3D Max mesh group were significantly reduced compared with the ordinary mesh group (P 0.05). (2) The pain sensation score in the 3D Max mesh group at 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery was significantly lower than that in the ordinary mesh group (P 0.05). (3) These results suggest that compared with ordinary mesh, 3D Max mesh can effectively shorten operation time, decrease hospitalization expense, and decrease the incidence of postoperative short-time chronic pain.