Comparison of Prolene Sutures Versus Skin Staples for Mesh Fixation in Lichtenstein Inguinal Hernioplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Prolene Sutures Versus Skin Staples for Mesh Fixation in Lichtenstein Inguinal Hernioplasty

Adeel Ahmad; Muhammad Haris Janjua; Sharjeel Mahmood; Aasiya Siddiqui; Faizan Elahi; Muhammad Zeeshan Sarwar; Muhammad Yasir Naseem

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i7.3834

Authors

Adeel Ahmad Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Haris Janjua Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Sharjeel Mahmood Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Aasiya Siddiqui Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Faizan Elahi Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Zeeshan Sarwar Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Yasir Naseem Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i7.3834

Keywords:

Inguinal Hernia, Lichtenstein Repair, Mesh Fixation, Prolene Sutures, Skin Staples, Postoperative Pain

Abstract

Chronic postoperative groin pain following Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair is commonly attributed to nerve irritation during mesh fixation. Alternative fixation methods, such as skin staples, have been proposed to reduce postoperative pain. Objectives: To compare postoperative pain outcomes following mesh fixation with Prolene sutures versus skin staples in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. 132 adult male patients undergoing elective unilateral Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty were randomized to mesh fixation using either Prolene sutures or stainless-steel skin staples. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on postoperative days 1, 14, 30, and 90. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Median VAS on day 1 was higher in the Prolene group compared to the staple group, but pain scores declined significantly in both groups over time. By day 90, 37.9% of patients were pain-free, with no significant difference in pain-free rates between fixation methods (p=0.858). No independent predictors of persistent pain were identified. Conclusions: Mesh fixation with Prolene sutures and skin staples results in comparable postoperative pain outcomes. Fixation choice may therefore be guided by surgeon preference and operative considerations.

Author Biography

Adeel Ahmad, Department of Surgery, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan

Post Graduate Resident, East Surgical Ward

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