Fibrin versus cyanoacrylate glue for fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a network meta-analysis and indirect comparison

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence has demonstrated that biosynthetic glue for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair results in decreased pain. However, the two glue sub-types (biologic-fibrin based; synthetic-cyanoacrylate based) have never been compared. This study aims to assess the outcomes of those subtypes.

Method and procedures: A systematic review of the MEDLINE database was undertaken. Randomized trials assessing the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with penetrating and glue fixation methods were considered for inclusion and data analysis. Thirteen trials involving 1947 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs were identified with eight trials utilizing fibrin and five trials utilizing cyanoacrylate.

Results: There were no differences in recurrence or wound infection between the glue subtypes when compared individually to penetrating fixation alone or indirectly to each other. There were non-significant trends in reduction of hematoma and seroma for both glue subtypes when compared to penetrating fixation (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.39-1.40). There was a significant reduction in urinary retention with glue fixation (pooled results of both sub-types) when compared to penetrating fixation (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.83).

Conclusions: Glue fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair reduces the incidence of urinary retention and may reduce the rate of hematoma or seroma formation. As there are no differences in outcomes when comparing fibrin or cyanoacrylate glue, surgeons should choose the glue that is available at the lowest cost at their respective institutions.

Keywords: Cyanoacrylate glue; Fibrin glue; Fixation; Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.