Postoperative outcome of mesh hernioplasty under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the outcomes of inguinal hernia mesh repair under local anaesthesia as a day case surgery. Descriptive case series. Surgical unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from September 2007 to August 2008. Patients having direct/indirect inguinal herniae of either side who underwent Lichtenstein repair under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure were included. Patients below 20 years of age were excluded. Similarly those patients having acute complications of hernia like obstruction and strangulation were also excluded. Patients were followed up in the OPD for 02 years and any positive findings noted during this time period, recorded. All 135 patients were male with mean age of 52.5 years [ +/- 2.4 years SD]. Fifty-eight [42.96%] patients had direct inguinal hernia [right side 35 cases and left side 23 cases]. Seventy-seven had indirect inguinal hernia [right side 45 cases and left side 32 cases]. Postoperative complications included urinary retention in 08 [5.93%] cases, seroma formation in 06 [4.44%], wound infection in 10 [7.41%], scrotal oedema in 07 [5.19%] and chronic neuralgic pain in 02 [1.48%] cases. Three [2.94%] patients developed recurrence during the follow up period. Inguinal hernia mesh repair can be performed safely and effectively under local anaesthesia with minimal postoperative complications and acceptable results: