Evaluation of non-mesh versus mesh repair of primary adult inguinal hernia

ABSTRACT

Inguinal hernia is the most frequently performed operation. Consequently, failure of inguinal hernia repair has a great impact on society and leads to increased patient discomfort, reoperations and considerable economic burden. The aim of this study was to compare the result of repair of primary inguinal hernia using mesh with the usually performed Bassini repair. Between April 2004 and November 2008, 200 patients with unilateral primary inguinal hernia were entered into the study patients were distributed into 2 groups A and B. In group A patients, Bassini repair was preformed. In group B mesh repair was preformed. The patients were followed up during their hospital stay and every 6 month for 2 years. The main follow up variables were operating time, duration of hospital stay, postoperative pain, complications, return to normal activities and recurrence rate. Only 81 patient have received follow up examinations. In group B no recurrence occurred [0% versus 4.7%]. Although the mean operating time was longer in group B [56.5 versus 43.7 minutes], the mean duration of hospital stay was shorter [21.8 versus 25.6 hours], postoperative pain and complications were less and return to normal activities was earlier [12.3 versus 23.1 day] than in group A. Mesh inguinal hernia repair is superior to the usually preformed Bassini repair and should be adopted as standard treatment of all adult primary inguinal hernia