Mesh plug versus lichtenstein hernioplasty of inguinal hernia

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONHernia has plagued humans throughout recorded history and description of hernia reduction date back ancient people such as egyptian papyrus. It was not until the late 19th century that hernia surgeon Bassini experienced a measurable degree of succcess in repairing hernia .During the last two decades, tension free herniopalsties including Lichtenstein or mesh plug are the most effective and ideal method of inguinal hernia repair. Less than two decades ago, Lichtenstein described a tensio-free onlay polyprolne mesh for inguinal hernia repair. In the late 1980s, Gilbert reported the logical step in the evolution of mesh hernia plugs by improving on the design through taking a flat piece of mesh and fashioning it by hand into a “cone” or an “umbrella” shape.In this study, one hundred patients suffering from inguinal hernia were divided into two groups:group A was managed by lechtenstien (hernioplasty)group B was managed by mesh plug.All patients of both groups are evaluated for operative time, hospital stay, post-operative pain, return to normal activities, return to work and complications including recurrence in a period of six to eighteen months.• Mean value of operative time was 76.5 minutes for Lichtentein versus 72.8 minutes for mesh plug .• There were no mortality or major intraoperative complicatioins in this study.• Return to normal activity occurred rapidly with mean value of 2.5 days for Lichtenstein versus 1.4 days for mesh plug.• Mean value of return to work was 18 days for Lichtenstein versus 17 days for mesh plug.• There were remarkable decline of pain degree in both groups in favor of mesh plug• No recurrence was reported in this study during the period of follow up.In conclusion, mesh plug tension-free hernioplasty is considered to be a good solution of the inguinal hernias which offers less intra- and post-operative complications with the advantage of rapid recovery, less pain and rapid return to normal activity and work.