Trabucco versus Rutkow versus Lichtenstein techniques in the treatment of groin hernia. A controlled randomized clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this prospective study is to compare the results of the 3 most common tension-free techniques usually performed (Trabucco vs Rutkow vs Lichtenstein).


METHODS
From January 1993 to December 1995 we selected 150 patients to undergo elective surgery for primary monolateral inguinal hernia. The patients were randomized into 3 groups: in group A (53 patients) we used the original plug and patch technique proposed by Rutkow and Robbins; in group B (47 patients) we introduced a modification to the technique originally described by Trabucco, anchoring the plug to the internal ring, fixing the patch on the pubic tubercle and on the tails of the mesh; in group C (50 patients) the Lichtenstein technique was employed. The study was performed using a randomized single blind controlled trial (RCT). The statistical analysis of our data was performed by c2 test and confirmed by the Fisher exact test. The mean follow-up was 73 months (range:58-94).


RESULTS
We had no statistically significant differences in the results of the 3 groups. Otherwise the patients of group C showed a significantly higher incidence of suprapubic or more rare inguino-scrotal haematoma (p<0.0033 C vs B; p <0.0038 C vs A). The mean recovery time was between 12 and 14 days in the 3 groups, with no significant statistical differences.


CONCLUSIONS
The only difference observed is a higher incidence of postoperative haematoma in group C.
Testini
M
M
Section of General and Vascular Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Department of Applications in Surgery of Innovative Technologies, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Miniello
S
S
Piccinni
G
G
Di Venere
B
B
Lissidini
G
G
Greco
L
L
Bonomo
G M
GM
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials