Shouldice versus lichtenstein repair

ABSTRACT

To compare the results of tissue based Shouldice repair with the Lichtenstein tension free repair of inguinal hernia. A prospective randomized controlled trial. From Jan 2004 to Dec 2006. Surgical Unit-II, Allama lqbal Medical College /Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 156 patients were included in this study were equally divided into two groups. The mean age was 45 years. After a follow up of upto 2 years there was significant difference in the recurrence rate. It was 5% in the Shouldice group and 1.28% in the Lichtenstein group. Similarly chronic pain was also much higher i.e. 5% in the Shouldice group compared to 1.28% in Lichtenstein Group. The rate of hematoma and seroma formation was the same [1.28%] in both groups, however infection was seen slightly more in Lichtenstein repair [3.84%] as compared to Shouldice repair [2.56%]. Tension free Lichtenstein technique was found to be superior to the tissue based Shouldice repair with respect to post operative complications and recurrence