A comparative prospective randomised controlled study for mesh fixation by cyanoacrylate glue versus prolene sutures in patients undergoing Lichtenstein hernioplasty

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed procedures by general surgeons. Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for a family of fast acting adhesives. The aim of the present study done in Department of General Surgery, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi was to compare the newer emerging technique of mesh fixation.

Methods: A total of sixty patients were included in the present study and were allotted in case and control group randomly by sealed envelope technique. In case (study) group, all the patients underwent mesh fixation by cyanoacrylate glue and in control group, by prolene 3-0 sutures.

Results: Most frequency in age group 31-40 yrs, males:females ratio >1 and right sided inguinal hernia was more common. Bi-lateral hernia was common in elderly. Indirect: direct ratio 4.5:1. Operating time period for the patients of the case (study) group is less than control group. P value of post-operative pain in immediate post-operative period (day 1 and 2) and POD 30, 60 and 90 was not of clinical significance whereas the p-value on 6,120,150 and 180 post op day was of clinical significance. In our study, there was a case of incidental observation: a) reaction due to use of cyanoacrylate glue, b) rejection of mesh for which mesh had to be removed.

Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference between mesh fixation with cyanoacrylate glue and mesh fixation by prolene suture techniques in immediate post-operative pain. Statistically significant difference favoring mesh fixation by cyanoacrylate glue technique was seen with respect to operating time and post-operative groin pain with increasing post-operative duration.