Does Mesh Type Affect the Results of Laparoscopic Groin Hernia Repair?
Does Mesh Type Affect the Results of Laparoscopic Groin Hernia Repair?
Koch A, Bringman S, Myrelid P, et al.
Br J Surg. 2008;95:1226-1231
Does a lightweight titanium-coated mesh improve the results after laparoscopic repair of a groin hernia? The authors conducted a clinical trial comparing 161 patients undergoing standard Lichtenstein repair with standard mesh to 156 patients who underwent repair using lightweight mesh. With respect to pain, the two groups were similar both before surgery and at 1-month follow-up. The chief difference was a faster return to work (4 days vs 6.5 days) for those with the lightweight mesh (P = .004). Similarly, patients with an implanted lightweight mesh resumed normal activities sooner (P = .005).
The strength of this study is that the surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at one hospital, using one technique. Neither patients nor evaluators were aware of the type of mesh used. The results indicate that patients have a shorter convalescence with lightweight titanium-coated mesh, without any affect on pain or discomfort both after surgery and at 1-year follow-up. This trial strengthens the evidence supporting the use of titanium-coated mesh for groin hernias, even though long-term results were similar in both groups.
Abstract
Randomized Clinical Trial of Groin Hernia Repair With Titanium-Coated Lightweight Mesh Compared With Standard Polypropylene Mesh
Koch A, Bringman S, Myrelid P, et al.
Br J Surg. 2008;95:1226-1231
Summary
Does a lightweight titanium-coated mesh improve the results after laparoscopic repair of a groin hernia? The authors conducted a clinical trial comparing 161 patients undergoing standard Lichtenstein repair with standard mesh to 156 patients who underwent repair using lightweight mesh. With respect to pain, the two groups were similar both before surgery and at 1-month follow-up. The chief difference was a faster return to work (4 days vs 6.5 days) for those with the lightweight mesh (P = .004). Similarly, patients with an implanted lightweight mesh resumed normal activities sooner (P = .005).
Viewpoint
The strength of this study is that the surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at one hospital, using one technique. Neither patients nor evaluators were aware of the type of mesh used. The results indicate that patients have a shorter convalescence with lightweight titanium-coated mesh, without any affect on pain or discomfort both after surgery and at 1-year follow-up. This trial strengthens the evidence supporting the use of titanium-coated mesh for groin hernias, even though long-term results were similar in both groups.
Abstract
