Prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing lightweight versus heavyweight mesh in chronic pain incidence after TEP repair of bilateral inguinal hernia.
BACKGROUND
This prospective, clinical, randomized, controlled study was performed to define the incidence of chronic pain after total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair with a light-weighted mesh compared with heavyweight mesh in patients with bilateral inguinal hernias.


METHODS
Consecutive patients with bilateral inguinal hernias were recruited for TEP inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia. Heavyweight mesh was randomly assigned to one side of the groin and lightweight mesh to the other. Patients were followed up regularly for up to 1 year by an independent surgeon who was unaware of the mesh assignment. The postoperative pain score by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and other data were recorded.


RESULTS
Fifty bilateral TEP hernia repairs were performed between September 2007 and February 2009. Six patients (12%) complained of chronic pain 3 months after the operation. A higher average pain score was observed for the side of hernia repaired by heavyweight mesh compared with lightweight mesh, but the difference was not statistically significant. More patients complained about foreign body sensation on the side repaired with heavyweight mesh (24%) compared with the side with lightweight mesh (8%; P < 0.05). There was no recurrence or need for reintervention for either type of mesh.


CONCLUSIONS
Lightweight polypropylene mesh may be preferable to heavyweight mesh for TEP inguinal hernia repair because it provides less postoperative foreign body sensation; however, there was no significant difference in the incidence of chronic pain.
Chui
L B
LB
Department of Surgery, Yan Chai Hospital, No. 7-11, Yan Chai Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Ng
W T
WT
Sze
Y S
YS
Yuen
K S
KS
Wong
Y T
YT
Kong
C K
CK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects
D011126:Polypropylenes