Inaugural hernia repair with poly-propylene darn: safe and cost-effective

ABSTRACT

To know the safety and cost-effectivity of inguinal hernia repair with prolene darn in respect of morbidity and recurrence rate. Descriptive analytical study. The study was conducted in Saidu group of teaching hospitals, since January 1999 to May 2002. Total of three hundred and eighty six patients collected by non probability convenient sampling technique, and 390 repairs [4-patient with bilateral repair] were included in the study. 180 were indirect, out of these 15 were strangulated, while 210 were of direct vanity. 90 repairs were made under local anaesthetic block, 300 were operated under general anaesthesia. All the patients were discharged on either 1st or 2nd postoperative day. 3 patients [0.76%] were readmitted for wound infection and were discharged on 8th postoperative day. Patients were examined on day 7th and 14th for early complications and then subsequently on 6th month and yearly for 3-4 years, for delayed complications. Ages ranged in our study 20-80 years [mean of 50 years]. 180 patients had indirect hernia [46.15%], while 210 [53.84%] were of direct Varity. Among 390 repairs 15 patients [3.8%] developed superficial wound infection, 5 patients [1.28%] established wound infection. 3 patients [0.76%] developed scrotal heamatoma, only one case [0.25%] was re explored. 20 patients [5.18%] went intro urinary retention, catheterized for 24 hours. 2 patients [0.5%] developed recurrence. 1 patient [0.25%] presented with hydrocele. 2 patients [0.51%] complain of neuralgia at groin. We conclude that Darn repair with polypropylene is safe and cost-effective, and recommend it for primary hernia repair