title: Multicentric observational study of pain after the use of a self-gripping lightweight mesh.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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%.
authors: Department of Surgery, Henares Hospital, Avenida de Marie Curie s/n, 28822 Coslada, Spain. magurena@gmail.com
authors: M Á
authors: MÁ
authors: García Ureña
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hidalgo
authors: X
authors: X
authors: Feliu
authors: M Á
authors: MÁ
authors: Velasco
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Revuelta
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Gutiérrez
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Utrera
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Porrero
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Marín
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Zaragoza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009920:Orchitis / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult