title: Comparison of mesh-plug and Lichtenstein for inguinal hernia repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Mesh-plug and Lichtenstein techniques are among the most common used inguinal hernia repair procedures. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the recurrence and other postoperative complications between mesh-plug technique and Lichtenstein operation in inguinal hernia repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  The electronic databases Embase, Pubmed, Springer and Cochrane Library were used to search for randomized controlled trials about mesh-plug and Lichtenstein repair techniques till Oct 2011. Two independent reviewers assessed the trials for eligibility and quality. And all related data matching our standards were abstracted for meta-analysis by RevMan 5.0.1. The evaluation criteria included recurrence, pain, hematoma, seroma, infection, paresthesia, testicular problem, urinary retention, operating time and recovery to daily activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 2,912 patients enrolled into 8 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. All these RCTs compared mesh-plug and Lichtenstein procedures, and our pooled data showed similar results according to all the compared postoperative complications and return to daily activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mesh-plug versus Lichtenstein procedures for inguinal hernia repair was comparable in most of the analyzed outcomes.
authors: Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China. Lijunshenghd@126.com
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Li
authors: Z
authors: Z
authors: Ji
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Li
mesh_terms: D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D061646:Operative Time; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology