Mesh fixation with human fibrin glue (Tissucol) in open tension-free inguinal hernia repair: a preliminary report.
BACKGROUND
The Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair is easy to learn and associated with few complications. However, recent studies have suggested that this technique is inferior to some 'sutureless' repair systems in terms of perceived difficulty, operating time, surgeon satisfaction, etc.


METHODS
We employed a sutureless Lichtenstein technique in 80 consecutive patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia, to assess patient and trainee surgeon outcomes. Human fibrin glue was used in place of conventional sutures.


RESULTS
The mean operating time was 36 min and all patients were discharged 5-6 h after the operation. On a 100-point visual analogue scale, the surgeons rated the difficulty of the operation as low (mean score, 31), and perceived satisfaction as high (mean score, 84). No complications were observed at 12-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms the efficacy of mesh fixation with human fibrin glue, and supports the viability of a sutureless Lichtenstein procedure.
Canonico
S
S
Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia 5, 80138, Naples, Italy. silvestro.canonico@unina2.it
Santoriello
A
A
Campitiello
F
F
Fattopace
A
A
Corte
A Della
AD
Sordelli
I
I
Benevento
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive