A One Year Randomised Controlled Trial To Compare Prolene Hernia System Repair Versus Lichtenstein Mesh Repair For Reduction In Post-Operative Pain In Inguinal Hernias

Abstract

Background and Objectives ABSTRACT Inguinal hernioplasty is an evolving surgical solution to an age old problem. It is one of the most frequently performed operations in general surgery and so even modest improvements in clinical outcomes are important. The present study was planned to compare the incidence of reduction in postoperative pain following hernia repair with PHS versus Lichtenstien mesh repair. Methodology The present one year randomized control trial was conducted in the Department of Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum during the period of January 2010 to December 2010 on 60 patients with inguinal hernia undergoing mesh repair. Based on computer generated blocked random numbers patients were divided into two groups that is, group A (Patients undergoing PHS) and Group B (Patients undergoing conventional mesh repair). Results All the patients presented with groin swelling in both groups. All patients in both groups were male. The mean age and standard deviation in group A and group B is 51.415.69 and 53.4717.18 respectively. During the second week pain score in group A were significantly less compared to group B (5.870.78 vs 6.670.61). Similarly during fourth and sixth week also significant less pain score was noted in group A (4.67 ± 0.76 and 3.60 ± 0.77) compared to group B (5.43 ± 0.57 and 4.17 ± 0.79). However the pain score during eighth, tenth and twelfth VIII week were less in group A compared to group B (p>0.05). No patients experienced severe pain in either group at 2 weeks, only mild to moderate pain was reported. Conclusion and interpretation In conclusion, pain scores with the use of Prolene Hernia System mesh repair, were comparable to the conventional Lichtenstein mesh repair while providing a more complete repair to the patient.