European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia is one of the commonest surgical problems encountered by surgeons worldwide, thus is the most evolving topic even today for better results of its repair. The main aim of surgeon is to lower the recurrence rate. Lichtenstein technique has opened a new era with a very low recurrence rate even in the hands of young or budding surgeons. Hence the present study was undertaken to assess the outcome of inguinal hernia repair by Lichtenstein technique.
Method: A total of 80 cases underwent Lichtenstein repair using Polypropylene mesh including 99% males and 1% female were studied. The clinical profile of patients, post-operative pain, time required to return to basic activity and time required to return to work, post-operative complications were noted. All cases were followed up post-operatively for 2 years.
Results: Out of 80 patients, 91% were unilateral, 9% were bilateral, 65% were indirect, 29% were direct and 6% were pantaloon hernia. Mean operative time was 68.34 min. Resumption of routine activities was within 24 hours post-operatively and mean time taken for return to work was 9.36 days.Post-operative pain was seen in 82.5% of cases. Mean pain score was high on post-operative day 1 (2.62), which was decreased on post-operative day-7 (0.8) then post-operative day-30 (0.21).The commonest early post-operative complications was suture site infection (9%) and long term complications was chronic Inguino-dynia (11.42%) with no recurrence.
Conclusion: Lichtenstein technique of hernia repair is safe, simple to perform with minimum postoperative morbidity, early recovery, less hospital stay and very low recurrence rate.