Lichtenstein’s mesh versus Bassini tissue repair technique for obstructed inguinal hernia: a controlled randomized study

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of synthetic mesh in obstructed inguinal hernia. Synthetic mesh repairs in inguinal hernia, though gold standard in elective operation is controversial in emergency setting. With an obstructed/strangulated hernia being the usual presentation, infection is the main concern. However, recent data indicated that mesh has advantages in emergency settings also. We took up a prospective study to evaluate this.

Operating time and postoperative hospital stay was significantly less in mesh repair. Mesh repair showed an edge over pure tissue repair. Wound infection, seroma formation, and neuralgia were less in mesh repair with the difference in seroma formation being significant.

Tension-free hernioplasty using polypropylene mesh in adults with obstructed inguinal hernia should be preferred to conventional hernia (pure tissue) repair, especially where there is no resection anastomosis/perforation. The conclusion is limited to the analyzed patients and long-term analysis in a larger study population is indicated.