Title: Comparative Study of Skin Staples and Polypropylene Sutures for Securing the Mesh in Lichtenstein’s Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Dr Kaushal K. Gupta, Dr Ramgopal Meena, Dr Romil Singh, Dr Rakesh K. Sharma
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.145
Abstract
Background: Fixation of the mesh in Lichtenstein's inguinal hernioplasty is traditionally performed with polypropylene sutures. A modification of this technique uses skin staples for securing of the mesh. This study compared two methods of mesh fixation.
Material and Methods: Forty six patients undergoing fifty repairs were randomized into two groups. In control group polypropylene mesh was secured with 2/0 polypropylene sutures and skin closed with 2/0 ethilon. In study group polypropylene mesh was secured with skin staples and skin was closed with staples from the same stapler. Duration of surgery, post-operative complications, recurrence and costs were compared.
Results: The operation was significantly shorter when staples were used (mean 36 minute versus 52 minute, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications. There were no recurrences in either group in the follow up period (median 3 months).
Conclusion: The use of skin staples to secure mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty significantly reduced the duration of surgery and was as effective as conventional mesh fixation with polypropylene in the short term
One more advantage of using skin stapler for mesh fixation in HIV and hepatitis B positive patients is to reduces the operating time thus reduces the duration of exposure to infected blood as well as it reduces the chances of needle prick injury.
KEY WORDS: Inguinal hernia, Lichtenstein hernioplasty, Skin staples, Polypropylene sutures.
