A comparative study of postoperative chronic pain after tension free inguinal hernia repair using absorbable versus non absorbable sutures for mesh fixation
Background: Inguinal hernia is a one of common diagnosis which is frequently encountered in routine clinical practice. The Lichtenstein technique (tension free mesh repair) is currently the gold standard in open inguinal hernia repair. Currently chronic groin pain (Inguinodynia) is one of the common complications after hernia repair and it may affect quality of life and it has been reported in 16% to 62% of the patients.Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted in the department of general surgery in S.M.S. Medical College and attached group of hospitals, Jaipur from May 2014 to December 2015. All patients of 18-80 years old, who were admitted for elective inguinal hernia repair, were included for the study. Patients with bilateral, recurrent, irreducible or incarcerated hernia, pregnant patients and patients with co morbid conditions, were excluded from the study.Results: Mean age was 46.5 years in absorbable group and 45.4 years in non absorbable group. Male to female ratio was 142:13 in absorbable group and 143:12 in non absorbable group. Post operative pain was measured by VAS score. Mean postoperative pain (VAS score) was lower in absorbable sutures group as compared to non absorbable group at 3 months (0.92±0.879 vs. 1.23±1.2; p=0.013) and at 6 months (0.48±0.57 vs. 0.77±0.65; p≤0.001), which was significant.Conclusions: Patients with absorbable suture for mesh fixation has less groin pain as compared to non-absorbable suture in hernia repair during 6 months follow up period.