Polypropylene suture versus skin staples for securing mesh in lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty

Abstract

Objective: To compare polypropylene suture and skin staples for securing mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty in terms of mean operating time and postoperative pain.

Study design: Randomized clinical trial.

Place and duration of study: Surgical Ward, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, from August 2011 to February 2012.

Methodology: All individuals fulfilling inclusion criteria underwent elective Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty as admitted patients, under spinal anaesthesia and with aseptic measures. In group 1, during the operation, mesh fixation was done with 2/0 polypropylene suture and skin was closed with subcuticular 2/0 polypropylene suture whereas in group 2, the anchorage of mesh was done with skin staples and skin was closed with staples from the same stapler. Mean operative time and postoperative pain, assessed on a visual analog score, were compared between the groups.

Results: The overall postoperative pain was lower (p = 0.026) when staples were used to anchor mesh. Moreover, operative time was also lower (37.42 ± 2.69 minutes) in staple group versus (42.44 ± 2.55 minutes in polypropylene group).

Conclusion: Mean operating time and postoperative pain is less in securing mesh with skin staples as compared to polypropylene suture in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.