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01-10-2012 | Review

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing lightweight and heavyweight mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair

Authors: M. M. Uzzaman, K. Ratnasingham, N. Ashraf

Published in: Hernia | Issue 5/2012

Abstract

Purpose

Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair is associated with a low incidence of recurrence; however, the use of heavyweight mesh has been linked with chronic pain and foreign body sensation. It is hypothesized that the use of lightweight mesh may reduce these problems. This study aims to use meta-analysis to compare lightweight and heavyweight mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

Information was gathered from randomized controlled trials that compared lightweight and heavyweight mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. The Cochrane Library, Medline, EMBASE, trial registries, conference proceedings and reference lists were searched. Primary outcome measures were chronic pain, foreign body sensation and hernia recurrence. Secondary outcome measures were duration of surgery, mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, surgical-site infection, testicular atrophy and haematoma/seroma. The pooled Peto odds ratio (OR) was calculated for categorical data and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous data.

Results

Six trials with 1936 hernias were included. Lightweight mesh was associated with reduced chronic pain (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.50–0.90; p < 0.01) and foreign body sensation (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.21–0.93; p < 0.05). Lightweight mesh was also associated with lower VAS pain scores at 3 months after surgery (WMD = −0.35, 95% CI = −0.39 to −0.31; p < 0.0001). There were no differences in hernia recurrence (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.54–2.64; p = 0.66) or other post-operative complications between the two groups.

Conclusions

The use of lightweight mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair is associated with less chronic pain, and foreign body sensation compared with heavyweight mesh without any difference in recurrence.

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Title: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing lightweight and heavyweight mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair
Authors: M. M. Uzzaman
K. Ratnasingham
N. Ashraf
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Hernia / Issue 5/2012
Print ISSN: 1265-4906
Electronic ISSN: 1248-9204
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-012-0901-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing lightweight and heavyweight mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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