Comparison of polydioxanone (PDS) and polypropylene (Prolene) for Shouldice repair of primary inguinal hernias: a prospective randomised trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the recurrence rates after Shouldice operation for primary inguinal hernias, using non-absorbable polypropylene or absorbable polydioxanone suture material.


METHODS
Randomised, controlled trial.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, Germany.


METHODS
220 male patients who had 233 elective Shouldice repairs of primary inguinal hernias, 201 of whom were followed up.


METHODS
Standard Shouldice procedure with 2/0 polypropylene (Prolene, n = 98) or 2/0 polydioxanone (PDS, n = 103).


METHODS
Recurrence rates after a minimum follow-up of 24 months (range 24-48, mean 31).


RESULTS
Numbers of early complications were similar in the two groups; there were 2 wound infections in each. A total of 193 patients with 201 repairs had a documented follow-up (86%). There were 6 recurrences in the PDS group and 5 in the Prolene group, giving a total recurrence rate of 5%. This difference was not significant (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.0).


CONCLUSIONS
Recurrence rates in both groups were higher than expected, but there was no difference between the two groups.
Hilgert
R E
RE
Department of Surgery, Krankenhaus Alten Eichen, Teaching Hospital of Hamburg University, Germany.
Dörner
A
A
Wittkugel
O
O
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016687:Polydioxanone; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors
D011126:Polypropylenes; D016687:Polydioxanone