A Prospective Randomized Trial of Polypropylene Mesh Compared with Nylon/Prolene Darn in Inguinal Hernia Repair

Polypropylene Mesh Compared with Nylon/Prolene Darn in Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

Background: The outcome of the hernia repair has been studied extensively. The high recurrence rate which was seen when surgery was performed using fascia for inguinal hernia or when the suturing was done under tension resulted in the development od various other structures which can be used for the repair. As a result of it Nylon darn with minimal tension was developed later on polypropylene mesh was developed to strengthen the posterior wall of inguinal canal during hernia repair. The objective is to compare the two techniques commonly employed in the treatment of inguinal hernia repair i.e. Polypropylene mesh and Prolene darning. Subjects and Methods: The present Randomized control study was done in the department of surgery at Dr B R Ambedkar Medical College and K C General Hospital from January 2003 to January 2005 for a period of Two years. During this period 40 cases of inguinal hernia were studied, 20 cases were managed by polypropylene mesh repair and 20 cases were managed by Prolene darning technique. Results: In the present study study subjects were between 18 to 70 years of age with majority (30%) of them between 41 to 50 years of age, 20% between 51 to 60 years of age.Among the late complications neuralgia was seen   in 10% of study subjects in mesh group and 15% in Prolene darn group. Scar tenderness was seen in only one subjects in Prolene Darn group. The Recurrence was seen in only one subject among Mesh Group at the end of 12 months of follow up period. Conclusion: Polypropylene mesh repair has no added advantage over prolene darn with respect to early postoperative pain complications or return to normal activities. Patients experienced mild-to-moderate pain irrespective of type of repair.