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01-12-2011 | Original Article

Comparison of polypropylene versus polyester mesh in the Lichtenstein hernia repair with respect to chronic pain and discomfort

Authors: B. Sadowski, J. Rodriguez, R. Symmonds, J. Roberts, J. Song, M. Hasan Rajab, C. Cummings, B. Hodges, The Scott and White Outcomes and Effectiveness Registry Group

Published in: Hernia | Issue 6/2011

Abstract

Background

Inguinal hernias are the most common operative procedure performed by general surgeons, and tension-free mesh techniques have revolutionized the procedure. While hernia recurrence rates have decreased, chronic postoperative pain has become recognized more widely. New mesh products offer the potential to decrease pain without compromising recurrence rates. Polyester mesh is a softer material than traditional polypropylene and may offer the benefit of causing less postoperative pain and improved quality of life.

Methods

Prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 78 patients assigned to receive Lichtenstein type repair with either polyester (n = 39) or polypropylene (n = 39) mesh. Attempt was made to identify ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves intraoperatively and document their handling. Patients were interviewed and examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks and 3 months. Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ) and VAS scores were obtained and analyzed using two sample t test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables.

Results

VAS scores at 3 months were 0.46 for the polyester group versus 0.56 for the polypropylene group (P = 0.6727). At 3 months, 82.3% of the polyester and 76.4% of the polypropylene group had VAS = 0 (P = 0.5486). There was no significant difference between the two groups’ VAS scores at 3 months. IPQ did not show any difference between the two groups with the exception of “catching or pulling” being reported in 34.3% of polyester and 5.7% of polypropylene groups (P = 0.0028).

Conclusions

Polyester mesh does not decrease the amount of chronic pain at 3 months. Outcomes with polyester mesh are comparable to polypropylene mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair with regards to postoperative pain and quality of life. The sample size in this study was small and limits the significance of the results. Further studies are needed to find the optimal mesh for inguinal hernia repair.

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Title: Comparison of polypropylene versus polyester mesh in the Lichtenstein hernia repair with respect to chronic pain and discomfort
Authors: B. Sadowski
J. Rodriguez
R. Symmonds
J. Roberts
J. Song
M. Hasan Rajab
C. Cummings
B. Hodges
The Scott and White Outcomes and Effectiveness Registry Group
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Hernia / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 1265-4906
Electronic ISSN: 1248-9204
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-011-0841-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Comparison of polypropylene versus polyester mesh in the Lichtenstein hernia repair with respect to chronic pain and discomfort

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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