A Comparative Evaluation of Chronic Groin Pain Following use of Self Gripping Versus Sutured Mesh in Open Lichtenstein Hernioplasty: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide, with the Lichtenstein hernioplasty being the standard approach. However, this procedure is often associated with postoperative chronic groin pain (CGP). This study compares two fixation methods in Lichtenstein hernioplasty: Self-gripping mesh (SGM) and sutured mesh (SM). The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of SGM in minimizing CGP, with maintaining low recurrence rates and avoiding other complications. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 48 patients diagnosed with uncomplicated inguinal hernias at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either SGM or SM. After three months, chronic pain, seroma formation, hernia recurrence, and other postoperative outcomes were assessed. While the SGM group showed a non-significant reduction in CGP compared to the SM group, both groups had similar recurrence rates and overall postoperative complication profiles. Although SGM offers potential advantages, larger studies with extended follow-up are required to confirm these findings.