Desarda technique as a valuable alternative for inguinal hernia patients refusing mesh implantation: long-term results fifteen years after a pure tissue repair in 198 patients

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze long-term results of surgical treatment of patients diagnosed with primary inguinal hernia up to 15 years after a Desarda pure tissue repair. Methods: The study was conducted on a group of adult patients with primary inguinal hernia who underwent elective surgery at our center during 2005-2006. Patients’ data and hernia and surgery characteristics were recorded. Incidence of postoperative complications was assessed seven days after surgery. An attempt was made to contact all patients 15 years after the procedure regarding recurrence, possible surgical re-treatment, pain, and satisfaction. Results: Desarda procedure was performed in 341 patients. Fifteen years after the surgical procedure, a follow-up was successful in 215 (63%) patients, of whom 198 (58.1%) answered all of the questions. In the early perioperative period, minor postoperative complications were found in 5.6% of patients. After 15 years of followup, three recurrences were found (1.5%). Recurrences occurred 2, 3, and 5 years after the surgery. All patients expressed their satisfaction with the treatment. Twenty-eight patients (14.4%) reported a rare occurrence of mild pain while performing certain activities. Three patients reported persistent chronic pain (1.5%). Conclusion: Surgical repair of primary inguinal hernia using the Desarda technique is a simple, feasible, repeatable procedure, using the patient’s own tissues, and with a low learning curve. It seems that the Desarda repair can still be a safe alternative to other non-mesh surgical techniques, especially when the patient refuses the use a synthetic mesh.