Comparing Skin Staples to Sutures for Fixing Mesh in Tension Free Hernioplasty

Lichtenstein tension free repair is the most commonly used technique for inguinal hernia repair due to, low recurrence rate, easy reproducibility outside specialized centers and better patient satisfaction. However consideration about long term pain and discomfort following hernia repair led to searching for alternative methods for mesh fixation other than sutures eg fibrin glue, absorbable tackers, tissue welding with lasers and other techniques have been tried. This study was done to compare the duration of surgery and postoperative outcome of securing mesh with skin staples versus polypropylene sutures in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients with inguinal hernia undergoing Lichtenstein mesh repair were randomly divided into two groups. The mesh was secured by using skin staples (group I) or polypropylene sutures (group II). Results: The operation time was significantly reduced in group I (mean 20.7min) as compared to group II (mean 32.7min) and less complication rate in group I as compared to group II. Discomfort or pain at the site of repair was less in group I at peak follow-up of 1 year. Conclusion: Mesh fixation with skin staples is effective with significant reduction in the operating time and complications or recurrence. Application of staples are much more quicker than sutures for fixing the mesh, thus saving the operating time.