Prospective randomized trial of polypropylene mesh compared with nylon darn in inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

Background: The main aim of this study was to evaluate outcome in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair with either polypropylene mesh or nylon darn. Methods: This was a randomized prospective trial of patients who underwent the procedure with follow-up at 1 week, 6 weeks and 1 year. Results: One hundred men underwent 105 repairs by consultant surgeons and registrars; there were 54 mesh and 51 nylon repairs. Demographics in both groups were similar at the start of the trial, as were the types of hernia. The pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h were similar, as was the duration of analgesia requirement. There were no differences in early or late complications. Return to normal activity in each group was also similar, with a mean time of 5 weeks. The recurrence rate in both groups was comparable: 4 per cent after mesh repair and 4 per cent after darn repair at 1-year review. Conclusion: Open inguinal hernia repair with a nylon darn was equivalent to polypropylene mesh with respect to early measures of postoperative outcome and recurrence at 1 year.