Early results of a randomised trial comparing Prolene and VyproII-mesh in endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP) of recurrent unilateral hernias

The purpose of this study was to compare a lightweight mesh to a standard polypropylene hernia mesh in endoscopic extraperitoneal hernioplasty in recurrent hernias. A total of 140 men with recurrent unilateral inguinal hernias were randomised to a totally extraperitoneal endoscopic hernioplasty (TEP) with Prolene or VyproII in a single-blinded multi-center trial. The randomisation and all data handling were performed through the Internet. 137 patients were operated as allocated. Follow-up was completed in 88% of the patients. The median operation times were 55 (24–125) min and 53.5 (21–123) min for the Prolene and VyproII groups, respectively. The meshes had comparable results in the surgeon’s assessment of the handling of the mesh, return to work, return to daily activities, complications, postoperative pain and quality of life during the first 8 weeks of rehabilitation, except in General Health (GH) SF-36, where the VyproII-group had a significantly better score (P=0.045). The use of Prolene and VyproII-meshes in endoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia seems to result in similar short-term outcomes and quality of life.     

What do we know about titanized polypropylene meshes? An evidence-based review of the literature

Purpose

Despite the vast selection of brands available, nearly all synthetic meshes for hernia surgery continue to use one or other of three basic materials: polypropylene, polyester and ePTFE. These are used in combination with each other or with a range of additional materials such as titanium, omega 3, monocryl, PVDF and hyaluronate. This systematic review of all experimental and clinical studies is aimed at investigating whether titanized meshes confer advantages over other synthetic meshes in hernia surgery.

Materials and methods

A search of the medical literature from 2002 to 2012, as indexed by Medline, was performed, using the PubMed search engine (http://www.pubmed.gov). The search terms were: hernia mesh, titanium coating, lightweight mesh, TiMesh, mesh complications. All papers were graded according to the Oxford hierarchy of evidence.

Results

Patients operated on with the Lichtenstein technique performed using the lightweight titanium-coated mesh have a shorter convalescence than those with the heavy-weight mesh Prolene. For inguinal hernias operated on with the TAPP technique and using a lightweight titanium-coated mesh in comparison to a heavy-weight Prolene mesh, the early postoperative convalescence seems to improve. Titanized meshes do exhibit a negative effect on sperm motility 1 year after a TEP operation, but not after 3 years. The laparoscopic IPOM technique with a titanium-coated polypropylene mesh was associated with less postoperative pain in the short term, lower analgesic consumption and a quicker return to everyday activities compared with the Parietex composite mesh.

Conclusion

In clinical studies, the titanium-coated polypropylene mesh shows in inguinal hernia repair certain benefits compared with the use of older heavy-weight meshes.     

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with porcine small intestinal submucosa: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Using mesh or a synthetic prosthesis during the laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. A new material, porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS mesh), has been successfully used in canine and rodent animal models with excellent results. This mesh is degradable and resorbable with a marked decrease in the possibility of becoming infected. However, the amount of fibroblast ingrowth is equal to that with polypropylene mesh. METHODS: A comparison was made between this new SIS mesh to repair 15 inguinal hernias in 12 patients and polypropylene mesh used in 12 similar patients. A preperitoneal approach with balloon dissection was used in all patients. RESULTS: Demographics were similar in both groups. The results were excellent and compared equally. Complications (seroma, discomfort) were minimal in both groups and were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine small intestinal submucosa, SIS mesh, can be used for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to confirm these preliminary results.     

Titanised polypropylene meshes: first clinical experience with the implantation in TAPP technique and the results of a survey in 22 German surgical departments

Titanised polypropylene meshes for the treatment of inguinal hernias are available since 2001. The reduced weight of the mesh, the increased size of the net meshes amounting to 1 mm, and the titan surface are supposed to improve the tissue compatibility and lower the risk of post implant mesh dislocation. AIM: It was the aim of the study to examine the characteristics of the mesh concerning the feasability for implantation in TAPP technique as well as the tolerability of titanised polypropylene meshes under short term observation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 80 titanised polypropylene meshes were implanted in TAPP technique into patients with inguinal hernias. The operation, the clinical course and complications were prospectively documented including a median follow up of 2 months.A survey of 22 German surgical departments was carried out. In a period of 8.3 months each institution gained experience with a median of 83 titanised polypropylene meshes in the treatment of inguinal hernias. The characteristics of the departments, certain aspects of implantation technique and reported complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The median operation time amounted to 52 minutes. In 5 patients umbilical hernias were simultaneously repaired. In our own series in 2/3 (rd) of the cases the 35 g/m (2) and in 1/3 (rd) of the cases the 16 g/m (2) version of the mesh was used. 17 % of the meshes in our series were not fixed with staples. Only minor reversible complications occurred in our patient group. Mesh related major complications were observed neither in our patients nor in the patients of the departments we surveyed. None of our patients required analgesic medication. Postoperatively 89 % of the patients were highly satisfied with the operation. The heavier version of the mesh was used more often by surgeons of the other departments. Only in 3 departments both versions of the mesh were used regularly. The trend to use less or no staples at all could also be observed at the other departments. CONCLUSION: The implantation of the titanised polypropylene meshes for the repair of inguinal hernia in TAPP technique is feasable. The intraoperative handling and the early clinical results are good. There were no major or mesh related complications or incompatibilities. Whether the rate of recurrence is comparable to conventional meshes and whether chronic pain syndromes can be reduced must be evaluated in long-term studies.     

Preliminary results of a two-layered prosthetic repair for recurrent inguinal and ventral hernias combining open and laparoscopic techniques

The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard of care in the management of hernias because of its association with a low rate of recurrence. However, despite its use, recurrence rates of 1% have been reported in primary inguinal repair and rates as high as 15% with ventral hernia repair. When dealing with difficult recurrent hernias, the two-layer prosthetic repair technique is a good option. In the event of incarcerated or strangulated hernias, however; placement of prosthetic material is controversial due to the increased risk of infection. The same is true when hernia repairs are performed concurrently with potentially contaminated procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, or colectomy. The purpose of this study is to report our preliminary results on the treatment of recurrent hernias by combining laparoscopic and open techniques to construct a two-layered prosthetic repair using a four ply mesh of porcine small intestine submucosa (Surgisis®, Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, USA) in a potentially infected field and a combination of polypropylene and ePTFE (Gore-Tex®, W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) in a clean field. From September 2002 to January 2004, nine patients (three males and six females) underwent laparoscopic and open placement of surgisis mesh in a two layered fashion for either recurrent incisional or inguinal hernias in a contaminated field. A total of eight recurrent hernia repairs were performed (five incisional, three inguinal) and one abdominal wall repair after resection of a metastatic tumor following open colectomy for colon carcinoma. Six procedures were performed in a potentially contaminated field (incarcerated or strangulated bowel within the hernia), two procedures were performed in a contaminated field because of infected polypropylene mesh, and one was in a clean field. Mean patient age was 56.4 years. The average operating time was 156.8 min. Operative findings included seven incarcerated hernias (four incisional and three inguinal), one strangulated inguinal hernia, and one ventral defect after resection of an abdominal wall metastasis for a previous colon cancer resection. In two of the cases, there was an abscess of a previously placed polypropylene mesh. All procedures were completed with two layers of mesh (eight cases with surgisis and one with combination of polypropylene/ePTFE). Median follow up was 10 months. Complications included two seromas, one urinary tract infection, two cases of atelectasis and one prolonged ileus. There were no wound infections. The average postoperative length of stay was 7.8 days. There have been no mesh-related complications or recurrent hernias in our early postoperative follow-up period. The use of a new prosthetic device in infected or potentially infected fields, and the two-layered approach shows promising results. This is encouraging and provides an alternative approach for the management of difficult, recurrent hernias.     

超声检查在腹股沟疝围手术期的应用价值

目的 探讨超声检查对腹股沟疝手术前后评估的价值.方法 对30例32侧腹股沟疝患者于手术前后进行超声检查.术前观察内环位置、腹股沟管内径改变、疝囊大小及内容物并对腹股沟疝类型进行分类;术后观察补片位置、大小、形态及生物补片与四周组织的融合情况.结果 在32例侧中,有20个斜疝、4个直疝、3个股疝术前的超声诊断与手术结果相符.术后1个月内超声检查发现,其中28个手术部位可探及正常生物补片、未见其他异常回声,2个见补片外血肿,1个见补片外复发疝及1个补片变形.结论 在腹股沟疝手术前,通过超声检查能为临床医生提供腹股沟疝形态的详细参考数据并为腹股沟疝分类,为临床医生选择适合患者个体的生物补片提供了重要的客观依据.在腹股沟疝手术后,超声检查能观察生物补片的形态、位置及有无发生其他并发症.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the use of ultrasonography befor and after inguinal hernioplasty.Methods In 30 patients, 32 inguinal hernias were submitted to tension-free inguinal hernioplasty,ultrasonography was applied before the surgery and after one mother. Ultrasonography revealed the character of the hernia before the surgery and observed the situation of the mesh after the surgery.Results Diagnostic ultrasound detected 20 inguinal hernias,4 direct hernias, and 3 femoral hernias which were consistent with intraoperative findings. We identified 2 seromas, 1 recurrence of hernia and 1 folding mesh after hernia repair. Conclusion Ultrasonography is a useful examination in preoperative assessing inguinal hernia and demonstrating postoperative complications associated with mesh.     

Intra Peritoneal Polypropylene Mesh and Newer Meshes in Ventral Hernia Repair: What EBM Says?

Incisional hernias and other ventral hernias are common surgical problems. It is estimated that incisional hernia complicates about 2 % to 10 % of laparotomies. Ventral and incisional hernia repairs are among the common surgeries done by a general surgeon. It is proven beyond any doubt that suture repair of these hernias should not be done as recurrence rates are unacceptably high, some series reporting as high as 54 % on long-term follow-up. A prosthetic mesh should always be used in ventral hernia repair (VHR). Now, the polypropylene mesh (PPM) has become the prosthetic mesh of choice in the repair of hernias, including inguinal hernia. However, with the advent of laparoscopic repair where the mesh is placed intraperitoneally, concerns regarding safety of PPM are raised. Newer meshes are introduced, claiming lesser complication rate. Many types of newer meshes are available now. Newer meshes are invariably costlier than PPM by 15–20 times. Is this extra cost worth? We looked in to available literature for an answer.     

Laparoscopic incisional lumbar hernia repair

Purpose  Incisional lumbar hernia is an uncommon hernia type. Open surgical procedures have significant postoperative morbidity and patient dissatisfaction, therefore, for the repair of seven incisional lumbar hernias, we attempted using an intraperitoneal laparoscopic technique that was described to have good short-term results and decreased morbidity. Methods  We applied a laparoscopic technique using polypropylene meshes in five patients and composite meshes in two patients to cover the defect, then placed prolene sutures and hernia staples to secure the mesh intraperitoneally. Result  The technique was successful in all patients, and they tolerated the procedure well. All did well after surgery, ambulating and eating a regular diet on postoperative day 1. No postoperative complications developed. At a mean follow-up of 34.1 months (range 17–43 months) none of them had pain, mass, or evidence of recurrence, and furthermore, cosmesis was excellent. Conclusions  We believe that the laparoscopic approach is feasible, safe, and the least invasive choice for repairing difficult hernias such as incisional lumbar hernias.     

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair versus anterior preperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is still not the gold standard for repair although mesh implantation is unequivocally accepted as an integral part of any groin hernia repair. The aim of the study was to compare the results of anterior preperitoneal (APP) mesh repair with totally extra peritoneal (TEP) repair for inguinal hernias. The prospective study was conducted on 241 patients with 247 hernias (from January 2000 to June 2004). Anterior preperitoneal repair was done in 121 patients and 120 patients were subjected to TEP repair. Repair in both groups was done by using Prolene mesh of size 6×4 in. or 6×6 in. intraoperative and postoperative parameters and complications were recorded and the patients were followed up to 1 year post-surgery. For both unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias, mean operative time was significantly more in patients of TEP repair as compared to APP repair (P<0.001) and significantly more patients had peritoneal tears in the TEP group (P<0.001). Patients undergoing TEP repair, however, had significantly less postoperative pain (P<0.05) and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05) and return to work was significantly earlier is this group (P<0.01 and P<0.001). There was no difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups. Patients with inguinal hernias undergoing laparoscopic repair recover more rapidly, and have less incidence of postoperative pain. But it takes significantly more time to perform than APP repair and also the incidence of peritoneal tear is higher.     

Randomized clinical trial of lightweight composite mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND: Almost half the patients who undergo hernia repair with mesh report a feeling of stiffness and a foreign body in the groin. This study evaluated whether patients noticed any difference between lightweight and standard polypropylene mesh for the repair of inguinal hernia. METHODS: Patients scheduled for elective repair of unilateral or bilateral, primary or recurrent inguinal hernia by the Lichtenstein technique were randomized to receive either a conventional densely woven polypropylene mesh (100-110 g/m(2)) or a lightweight composite multifilament mesh (polypropylene 27-30 g/m(2)). Quality of life was assessed using Short Form 36 before operation and 6 months after surgery. Pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale 2 days and 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the feeling of a foreign body in the groin at 6 months. RESULTS: Some 122 hernias were randomized; 117 were included in the analysis of perioperative data, and 106 were re-examined after 6 months. There were no differences between the treatment groups with respect to early and late surgical complications. Use of lightweight mesh was associated with significantly less pain on exercise after 6 months (P = 0.042). In addition, fewer patients reported the feeling of a foreign body after repair with lightweight mesh (17.2 versus 43.8 per cent with conventional mesh; P = 0.003). Quality of life was improved significantly at 6 months compared with the preoperative assessment, and there were no differences between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Lightweight polypropylene mesh may be preferable for Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up are needed before it can be recommended for routine use.     

Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of bilateral inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence rates associated with bilateral inguinal hernia repair with a giant prosthesis (Stoppa procedure) are low. Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair with a giant prosthesis combines the low recurrence rate of the Stoppa repair and the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether extraperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair could be performed by the minimally invasive, totally extraperitoneal approach. METHODS: From February 1993 to January 1998, 98 patients with bilateral inguinal hernias underwent surgery. A polypropylene 30 x 10 cm rectangular mesh or a 30 x 10/15 cm 'slipmesh' was used. Follow-up, including a physical examination, of 96 per cent of patients was performed. RESULTS: Median operative time was 60 min. Mostly minor intraoperative complications occurred. Conversion was required for two patients. Apart from one patient with a necrotic fasciitis who died from respiratory failure, only minor postoperative complications (10 per cent) occurred. Median hospital stay was 1 (range 1-21) days. Median recuperation time was 5 (range 1-22) days. Median follow-up (96 per cent) was 32 (range 7-57) months; there were six recurrences among 34 hernias in the group of 17 patients treated with 10 x 30 cm mesh and two (1 per cent) in the group that received 30 x 10/15 cm mesh (162 hernias in 81 patients). CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach for the Stoppa procedure for bilateral inguinal hernia repair is a reliable method with minor complications. It ensures a short recuperation time and the recurrence rate is low owing to adequate overlap of the hernial defect when a 'slipmesh' is used.     

Anterior preperitoneal repair of extremely large inguinal hernias: An alternative technique

INTRODUCTIONStandard open anterior inguinal hernia repair is nowadays performed using a soft mesh to prevent recurrence and to minimalize postoperative chronic pain. To further reduce postoperative chronic pain, the use of a preperitoneal placed mesh has been suggested. In extremely large hernias, the lateral side of the mesh can be insufficient to fully embrace the hernial sac. We describe the use of two preperitoneal placed meshes to repair extremely large hernias. This ‘Butterfly Technique’ has proven to be useful. Hernias were classified according to hernia classification of the European Hernia Society (EHS) during operation. Extremely large indirect hernias were repaired by using two inverted meshes to cover the deep inguinal ring both medial and lateral. Follow up was at least 6 months. VAS pain score was assessed in all patients during follow up. Outcomes of these Butterfly repairs were evaluated. Medical drawings were made to illustrate this technique. A Total of 689 patients underwent anterior hernia repair 2006–2008.PRESENTATION OF CASESeven male patients (1%) presented with extremely large hernial sacs. All these patients were men. Mean age 69.9 years (range: 63–76), EHS classifications of hernias were all unilateral. Follow up was at least 6 months. Recurrence did not occur after repair. Chronic pain was not reported.DiscussionOpen preperitoneal hernia repair of extremely large hernias has not been described. The seven patients were trated with this technique uneventfully. No chronic pain occurred.CONCLUSIONThe Butterfly Technique is an easy and safe alternative in anterior preperitoneal repair of extremely large inguinal hernias.     

Biomechanical analyses of mesh fixation in TAPP and TEP hernia repair

Background Reliable laparoscopic fixation of meshes prior to their fibrous incorporation is intended to minimize recurrences following transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) repair of inguinal hernias. However, suture-, tack- and staple-based fixation systems are associated with postoperative chronic inguinal pain. Initial fixation with fibrin sealant offers an atraumatic alternative, but there is little data demonstrating directly whether fibrin-based mesh adhesion provides adequate biomechanical stability for repair of inguinal hernia by TAPP and TEP. Methods Using a newly developed, standardized simulation model for abdominal wall hernias, sublay repairs were performed with six different types of commercially available hernia mesh. The biomechanical stability achieved, and the protection afforded by the mesh–hernia overlap, were compared for three different techniques: nonfixation, point-by-point suture fixation, and fibrin sealant fixation. Results Mesh dislocation from the repaired hernia defect was consistently seen with nonfixation. This was reliably prevented with all six mesh types when fixed using either sutures or fibrin sealant. The highest stress resistance across the whole abdominal wall was found following superficial fixation with fibrin sealant across the mesh types. There was a highly statistically significant improvement in fixation stability with fibrin sealant versus fixation using eight single sutures (p = 0.008), as assessed by the range of achievable peak pressure stress up to 200 mmHg. Conclusions To ensure long-term freedom from recurrence, intraoperative mesh–hernia overlap must be retained. This can be achieved with fibrin sealant up to the incorporation of the mesh – without trauma and with biomechanical stability.     

One-year results of a prospective,randomised clinical trial comparing four meshes in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP)

Background  

A low rate of chronic pain and maximum postoperative comfort are the main goals today in inguinal hernia repair. This four-arm randomised trial compares these parameters after laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) with a standard heavyweight mesh (HW), a pure middleweight polypropylene mesh (MW), a lightweight composite polypropylene mesh (LW), or a titanised lightweight mesh (TLW). The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of chronic pain of any severity at the site of hernia repair at 1 year.     

Migration mesh mimicking bladder malignancy after open inguinal hernia repair

Despite the benefits of using surgical meshes to repair abdominal and inguinal hernias, there are increasing reports of mesh migration into the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts—a complication that cannot be overlooked or neglected. Resolution of such cases can be difficult and depends on the degree of migration and the anatomical site involved. The present paper reports the case of a 68-year-old patient undergoing a trans-ureteral resection of a possible bladder malignancy diagnosed following clinical and radiological evaluation. During the procedure (cytoscopy), it was found that migration of a mesh was mimicking the urological disease initially suspected. A polypropylene mesh had been inserted into the right inguinal region 20?years previously to repair an inguinal hernia. This is one of only a few case reports on mesh migration presenting as a suspected bladder malignancy.     

Use of Permacol in complicated incisional hernia

Polypropylene mesh repair is the gold standard for primary inguinal hernia and incisional hernia. Wound infection and small bowel fistulas are contraindications to polypropylene mesh repair. In addition, synthetic meshes are known to cause severe peritoneal adhesions and enteric fistulas if located close to the bowel. Porcine intestinal submucosa has been used successfully in experimental studies in dogs and rats to repair large abdominal wall defects. A new porcine dermal collagen graft has been used in man for groin hernia repair, incisional hernia repair and other surgical procedures without complications. We describe 6 cases of complicated incisional hernia operated in emergency using porcine dermal collagen grafts. In one woman the incisional hernia was associated with an enterovaginal fistula. Three cases presented severe wound infections, two of which related to a previous polypropylene mesh repair, while another had an irreducible recurrent incisional hernia and one woman presented complete evisceration. None of the patients had postoperative or porcine-graft-related complications. Over a follow-up period of 3-24 months we have had no recurrence or wound infection. The results of these few cases confirm the safety and efficacy of the porcine dermal collagen mesh also in incisional hernia repair.     

Three-year results of a randomized clinical trial of lightweight or standard polypropylene mesh in Lichtenstein repair of primary inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND: This randomized trial examined whether lightweight (LW) polypropylene mesh (large pore size, partially absorbable) could have long-term benefits in reducing chronic pain and inflammation after inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Six hundred men with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to Lichtenstein repair using a standard polypropylene mesh or a LW mesh in one of six centres. The patients were blinded to which mesh they received. Clinical examination was performed and a pain questionnaire completed 3 years after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 590 men who had surgery, 243 (82.7 percent) of 294 in the standard mesh group and 251 (84.8 percent) of 296 in the LW mesh group were examined in the clinic, a median of 37 (range 30-48) months after hernia repair. There were nine recurrent hernias in each group (3.7 percent with standard mesh and 3.6 per cent with LW mesh). Patients who had LW mesh had less pain on examination, less pain on rising from lying to sitting, fewer miscellaneous groin problems and felt the mesh less often than patients with standard mesh. CONCLUSION: Use of LW mesh for Lichtenstein hernia repair did not affect recurrence rates, but improved some aspects of pain and discomfort 3 years after surgery.     

Autoimmune [auto-inflammatory] syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA): Case report after inguinal hernia repair with mesh

IntroductionThere has been a great advance in the treatment of inguinal hernias with a significant reduction in recurrences with the use of polypropylene mesh. Local complications such as infections, rejection, and chronic pain are widely studied and reported in the literature.The Autoimmune [Auto-inflammatory] Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) is little known and can be triggered by using polypropylene mesh.Presentation of the case33-year-old female patient, married, and an administrative manager. History of smoking, previous breast surgery with silicone prosthesis, appendectomy. One year and four months ago, she underwent bilateral inguinal hernioplasty by laparoscopy. Shortly after the inguinal hernia surgery, systemic, urinary symptoms, and chronic local pain appeared. She reported low back pain, fatigue, memory loss, and mood swings associated with limiting pelvic pain, dysuria, and dyspareunia.We performed a robotic surgical procedure to remove the meshes bilaterally. Three days after surgery, the patient was discharged with adequate pain control, without the need for opioids. During outpatient follow-up, there was a significant improvement in symptoms, both local and systemic.DiscussionLocal complications with the use of polypropylene mesh to repair inguinal hernias are well described in the literature, highlighting chronic postoperative pain that can affect 10–20% of patients.Recently, polypropylene prostheses have been found to act as adjuvants and may be the trigger for an exacerbated immune response adaptive to an autoantigen. Thus, being capable of causing an autoimmune disease variant of the Autoimmune [Auto-inflammatory] Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), described by Shoenfeld and Agmon-Levin in 2011.ConclusionIn addition to local complications, systemic symptoms related to the use of polypropylene mesh can also occur. In the Autoimmune [Auto-inflammatory] Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), systemic symptoms, for being nonspecific, make diagnosis difficult and are often not attributed to the use of mesh.     

Lichtenstein inguinal herniorrhaphy using sutures versus tacks

Abstract The Lichtenstein hernia repair has become a popular technique for most inguinal hernias performed in the United States. One attempt to improve on this technique includes the use of a tacker instead of suturing the mesh. This study compared the feasibility and time saving for placement of mesh for open inguinal hernias with a tacker versus polypropylene suture. Thirty-four patients were prospectively randomized to undergo open hernia repair using either running 2-0 polypropylene suture or a tacker device that contained spiral titanium tacks. Patients were examined after 1 week and followed for a mean of 8 months (range 1–26 months) to record postoperative complications and technical failure rate. Mesh placement times were significantly shorter in the tacker group (9.0±3.5 min) than the suture group (30.9±9.9 min). No technical complications or recurrences were found in the follow-up period in either group. Securing mesh with the tacker is safe, and repair appears durable at short-term follow-up. Using the tacker on open inguinal hernia repairs shortens the time for mesh placement compared to suture fixation. Decreased operative time may reduce overall cost. Electronic Publication     

自固定补片与普通聚丙烯补片临床应用对比分析

目的比较自固定补片与普通聚丙烯补片在Litchenstein腹股沟疝修补术后患者的手术时间、手术效果及并发症等情况。方法回顾性分析2011年11月至2013年3月,陕西省人民医院收治的单侧腹股沟疝患者24例,随机分为二组,每组12例,对自固定补片疝修补组（试验组）与普通聚丙烯补片疝修补组（对照组）进行临床对照研究,观察术后疼痛VAS评分、手术时间、术后并发症及复发情况。结果试验组与对照组术后4、8、12h疼痛差异无统计学意义（t=1．632、1．451、1．402,P=0．059、0．079、0．094）,但术后24h试验组较对照组明显减轻,且术后1个月时有更好的舒适感（t=2．793、1．856,P=0．009、0．040）;试验组手术时间（29±5）min,对照组手术时间（36±7）min,二组比较差异有统计学意义（t=2．156,P=0．034）;随访2～17个月,二组均无出现并发症及复发。结论在Litchenstein腹股沟疝修补术中,自固定补片相比普通聚丙烯补片可有效减轻患者术后疼痛,且手术安全,操作简单。