OUTCOME OF INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR WITH LICHTENSTEIN TECHNIQUE

Background: Inguinal hernia is a leading cause of work loss and disability. Recurrence and other complications can occur after hernia repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate prolene mesh repair by Lichtenstein technique for the treatment of inguinal hernia. Material & Methods: This descriptive study was carried out at DHQ Hospital Bannu, from January 2007 to December 2007. Fifty patients of age >16 years with inguinal hernia were included. Those with diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive air way disease, associated inguino-scrotal disease such as hydrocele, spermatocele, those with obstructed or strangulated hernia and with recurrent hernia were excluded. Patients were followed-up for three years and postoperative recurrence and complications were noted. Results: All 50 patients were males. The peak incidence was in the 3rd and 4th decades. The hernia was direct in 34 and indirect in 16 patients. Average operating time was 45 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 1 day. Post-operative pain was minimal in all patients, controlled by simple analgesia. Return to work was after 4 weeks. Haematoma and seroma formation requiring drainage were observed in 2 and 3 patients respectively. Scrotal swelling was observed in 2 patients which subsided within 2 weeks. Post-operative neuralgia was observed in 3 patients. Five patients developed urinary retention. No hydrocele, wound infection, ischaemic orchitis or recurrence was found during the follow-up. Conclusion: Mesh repair of inguinal hernia is associated with low morbidity. It is effective in the prevention of recurrence.