Inguinal hernia; lichtenstein and darn repair a comparative study

ABSTRACT

To compare the rate of wound infection, recurrence and haematoma formation following Darn and Lichtenstein repair. Prospective, comparative study. Surgical Unit-ll, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. One year study from 15-01-2003 to 15-01-2004. Total of 50 male patients between 16-60 years of age having right sided, left sided and bilateral inguinal hernias were divided by odd and even numbers into two groups, each group consisting of 25 patients. In 1[st] group of patients, Lichtenstein repair was done. While in 2[nd] group, Darn repair of posterior inguinal wall was performed. Patients were examined postoperatively for wound infection, haematoma formation and recurrence. Most of them presented with reducible inguinal hernias [84%] while others with irreducible inguinal hernias [16%]. Wound infection and hematoma formation were not observed in any patient in case of Lichtenstein repair. Wound infection was not observed in any patient and hematoma formation in two patients in case of Darn repair. Recurrence occurred in one patient with Darn repair while non was observed in case of Lichtenstein repair. Lichtenstein repair [mesh repair] of inguinal hernia is safe and has less rate of recurrence and haematoma formation