Heavy-weight (prolene) mesh versus light-weight (ultrapro) mesh in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Context: Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia has gained its place in the general practice; however, meshes such as prolene were the same as those used for open repair. New types of light-weight meshes such as ultrapro may be associated with less complications and rates of recurrence. Aim: The study aimed to compare the outcomes of transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair using heavy-weight (prolene) mesh versus the light-weight (ultrapro) mesh. Settings and design: This is a prospective randomized comparative study. Materials and methods: Sixty patients were recruited for this study. Fifteen patients were operated by transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair using the light-weight mesh and 45 patients were operated using the heavy-weight mesh. The patients were surveyed for postoperative complications, such as seroma, obstruction, pain, and recurrence. Statistical analysis: Continuous variables were expressed as mean and SD. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentage. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the postoperative complications or recurrence rates. The light-weight meshes were superior regarding the first 24h pain and pain after 1 week, 1, 6, and 12 months with early return to physical activity in comparison with the heavy-weight meshes. Conclusion: Light-weight meshes are superior to the heavy-weight meshes in respect to the occurrence of pain and early return to work, yet with comparable results regarding the postoperative complications and recurrence rates.