A Comparative Study of Mesh Fixation and Non-Fixation in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

Mesh Fixation vs. Non-Fixation in Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

Objective: To compare mesh fixation and non-fixation in open inguinal hernia repair concerning operative time, hospital stay, and post-operative complications.

Methodology: This clinical experimental study was conducted from January to June 2022, at the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. A total of 100 patients aged 18 - 60 years with unilateral inguinal hernia scheduled for repair were selected using probability sampling method. Patients with bilateral, recurrent, obstructed hernias were excluded. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: mesh fixation (n=50) and non-fixation (n=50). Outcomes assessed included operative duration, hospital stay, post-operative pain, scrotal swelling, wound infection, and recurrence. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.

Results: The mean patient age was 39.86±8.52 years, with a male predominance (95 males, 5 females). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the non-fixation group (68.36±4.77 min) compared to the fixation group (91.04±6.29 min, p=0.00). Similarly, the mean hospital stay was shorter in the non-fixation group (1.10±0.30 days) compared to the fixation group (2.12±0.33 days, p=0.000). Post-operative pain was also significantly lower in the non-fixation group (2.46±0.65) compared to the fixation group (4.92±0.60, p=0.000). No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion: Non-fixation of mesh in inguinal hernia repair offers advantages such as reduced operative time, shorter hospital stay, and lower post-operative pain without increasing the risk of recurrence.