Impact of Mesh and Fixation on Chronic Inguinal Pain in Lichtenstein Hernia Repair: 5-Year Outcomes from the Finn Mesh Study

Abstract

Objective: To find out the mesh fixation technique that minimises chronic pain in Lichtenstein hernioplasty. Summary background data: Mesh fixation may affect chronic pain and recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery, but long-term results of comparative trials are lacking. Methods: Lichtenstein hernioplasty was performed under local anaesthesia on 625 patients in day care units. The patients were randomised to receive either a cyanoacrylate glue (n = 216), self-gripping mesh (n = 202) or non-absorbable 3–0 polypropylene sutures (n = 216) for the fixation of mesh. A standardised telephone interview or postal questionnaire was conducted 5 years after the index operation. The patients with complaints suggesting recurrence or chronic pain (visual analogue scale ≥ 3, 0–10) were examined clinically. The rate of occasional pain, chronic severe pain, recurrence, re-operations, daily use of analgesics, overall patient satisfaction and sensation of a foreign object were recorded. Results: A total of 82% of patients (n = 514) completed the 5-year audit including 177, 167 and 170 patients in the glue, self-fixation and suture groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the incidence of pain (7–8%), operated recurrences (2–4%), overall re-operations (4–5%), need for analgesics (1–2%), patient’s satisfaction (93–97%) or in the feeling of a foreign object (11–18%) between the study groups. Conclusion: The choice of the mesh or fixation method had no effect on the overall long-term outcome, pain or recurrence of hernia. Less penetrating fixation (glue or self-gripping mesh) is a safe option for the fixation of mesh in Lichtenstein hernia repair.