Comparison of biomaterials: three meshes and TAPP for inguinal hernia

Background In laparoscopic hernia repair the use of biocompatible materials is necessary. A prospective, double-blind study was projected to compare three different meshes. Methods Ninety male patients with primary inguinal hernia undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) implant procedures were included. Three different types of mesh were tested: a monofile, heavy-weight, rigid mesh (group A), a smooth, heavy-weight variant of polypropylene (group B), and a polyglactin/polypropylene compound mesh (group C). Complications, pain development, inability to work, physical conditions, testicular volume, and blood circulation were documented. Results Convalescence in group A was slower than in groups B and C: Postoperative values of visual scales for pain development were higher, inability to work was 7.3 days longer, urologic effects were more severe, activities of everyday life were more reduced, and data of the German SF-36 Health Survey Test showed a significant reduction of physical condition (p < 0.05). Conclusion The compound mesh did not create more comfort for the patients than the smooth variant of the heavy-weight polypropylene mesh.