Tension-Free Mesh Repair of Inguinal Hernias; The Lichtenstein Technique – A Feasible Option

Abstract

Objective: The objective of study is to determine the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of Lichtenstein technique the tension free mesh repair of inguinal hernias and also to record the early and late postoperative complications of hernioplasty.

Study Design: Prospective study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Department of Surgery, Unit-I Glulam Muhammad Maher Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sukkur from May 2009 to April 2012.

Materials and Methods: Total 210 male patients with inguinal hernias admitted through OPD as an elective cases were included in this study .Exclusion criteria was patients with obstructed inguinal hernia came in emergency department. Clinically 20% patients had bilateral and 80 % had one sided inguinal hernias. Mean age of the patient was 45 years (range, 18– 70  years) .189 patients  ( 90%) were operated  under spinal anesthesia while  remaining 21 patients (10%) under  general anesthesia .All patients were follow-up for the period of 2 years in the out –patient department .

Results: The present study showed the early and late postoperative complications (morbidity = 8%) such as retention of urine in 4 patients (2%), Hematoma in 3 patients (1.5%), seroma formation in 2 patients ( 1 %)  , Cord induration  in 3 patients (1.5 %) and  postoperative neuralgia  in 4 patients( 2%). After a follow-up for 2 years, there was no evidence of recurrence or mesh rejection.

Conclusion: This study showed that Lichtenstein tension- free hernioplasty is a simple, feasible and safe technique for repair of inguinal hernias with a low recurrence rate and  low morbidity .