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Multicentric observational study of pain after the use of a self-gripping lightweight mesh

Hernia volume 15, pages 511–515 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

Investigation in the field of inguinal hernia surgery is now focused on postoperative pain. The extended use of lightweight meshes and alternative methods of fixation may play a relevant role in the reduction of pain. In this study, a new self-gripping lightweight polypropylene mesh is tested.

Methods

A multicentric, observational study was scheduled to prospectively evaluate this new mesh. Ten centers agreed to participate. Only primary, type 1 or 2 uncomplicated hernias in adults were included. The mesh was placed as a Lichtenstein procedure without any fixation. A complete pain questionnaire was followed at 1 week, and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The principal goal of the study was to evaluate maximum pain score at 6 months. Pain was assessed by a visual analog scale. A total of 256 patients were operated. Mean operative time was 35.6 min; 76.2% of patients were operated in an ambulatory setting.

Results

There were a few postoperative complications: 2 wound infections, 17 seromas, 21 hematomas, 6 orchitis. The incidence of acute pain was 27.3% at week 1 and 7.5% at month 1. The incidence of chronic pain was 3.6% at month 3 and 2.8% at month 6. No recurrences or long-term complications were observed.

Conclusion

This self-gripping mesh can be used safely in type 1 and 2 primary, uncomplicated inguinal hernia with minimal morbidity and most patients under ambulatory setting. The registered incidence of chronic pain is lower than 3%.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Henares Hospital, Avenida de Marie Curie s/n, 28822, Coslada, Spain

    M. Á. García Ureña

  2. Clínica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Madrid, Spain

    M. Hidalgo

  3. Hospital General de Igualada, Barcelona, Spain

    X. Feliu

  4. Hospital Universitario de Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain

    M. Á. Velasco

  5. Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain

    S. Revuelta

  6. Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain

    R. Gutiérrez

  7. Hospital Santa Cristina, Madrid, Spain

    J. L. Porrero

  8. Hospital Universitario Valme, Sevilla, Spain

    M. Marín

  9. Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain

    A. Utrera

  10. Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    C. Zaragoza

Authors
  1. M. Á. García Ureña
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  2. M. Hidalgo
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  3. X. Feliu
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  4. M. Á. Velasco
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  5. S. Revuelta
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  6. R. Gutiérrez
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  7. A. Utrera
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  8. J. L. Porrero
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  9. M. Marín
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  10. C. Zaragoza
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Á. García Ureña.

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García Ureña, M.Á., Hidalgo, M., Feliu, X. et al. Multicentric observational study of pain after the use of a self-gripping lightweight mesh. Hernia 15, 511–515 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-011-0811-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-011-0811-3

Keywords

  • Inguinal hernia
  • Chronic pain
  • Mesh
  • Polypropylene
  • Hernioplasty