Comparison of post-operative pain and complications in patients undergoing suture fixation versus tacker fixation of mesh in transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Hernias, particularly inguinal hernias, represent a common clinical issue, with a marked prevalence in adult males. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair becomes a frequently performed surgical intervention. This study compares two prevalent surgical techniques in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair - tack fixation and suture fixation of mesh.<h4>Aims and objectives</h4>The primary aim is to compare early postoperative outcomes such as pain, seroma, hematoma, urinary retention, and neuralgia between suture and tack fixation methods in TAPP repair. Objectives include assessing cost-effectiveness of mesh fixation, comparing postoperative pain, and evaluating early postoperative recovery and discharge rates.<h4>Methodology</h4>Conducted at J.L.N. Hospital and Research Centre, this prospective experimental study involved 60 patients who underwent TAPP repair for inguinal hernia, randomized into two groups for either suture or tack fixation. Data on pain scores and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed statistically to evaluate the outcomes.<h4>Results</h4>The study found significant differences in early postoperative pain, with the suture fixation group experiencing lower pain scores at 6 hours (P = 0.001) and 24 hours (P = 0.03) post-surgery compared to the tack fixation group. Other parameters such as seroma, hematoma, and urinary retention showed no significant differences between the groups. The suture fixation group also required fewer postoperative analgesic doses and had a shorter hospital stay.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Suture fixation in TAPP repair is associated with lower early postoperative pain and reduced analgesic requirements compared to tack fixation, highlighting its potential benefits in enhancing patient recovery and reducing hospital resources. No significant differences were observed in other early postoperative complications, suggesting both techniques are viable with respect to safety.