All-in-One Technique versus Lichtenstein Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair: Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic inguinodynia is considered the most disabling complications post-inguinal hernia repair. A novel technique (All-in- One Mesh Hernioplasty) is viable for whole cases of the primary inguinal hernia which utilizes a smaller pre-cut mesh covering whole  weak regions of the inguinal canal and is wrapped by a fibro-cremasteric sheath to avoid contact between the prosthesis and neural  structures. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of the Lichtenstein technique and the All-in-One Mesh Hernioplasty  technique.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with a primary inguinal hernia in the Department of General Surgery,  Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, from January 2018 to January 2020. The patients were categorized equally into 2 groups: group A,  involving 40 patients repaired by Lichtenstein technique and group B, involving 40 patients repaired by All-in-One Mesh Hernioplast  technique.

Results: There was no significant variation (P> 0.05) among the two groups concerning demographic and clinical  presentation. There was no significant variation (P> 0.05) among them as regards wound hematoma, infection, seroma, scrotal edema,  and urine retention. Chronic groin pain, persistent numbness, and foreign body sensation were less in group B than in group A and this  variation was statistically significant (P=0.003), while there was no significant variation (P> 0.05) between them in hospital stay, time of  return to work or normal activity, and mean postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions: All-in-One Mesh Hernioplasty is a safe and effective technique in repairing the primary inguinal hernia with less postoperative chronic inguinal pain.