Out come of Lichtenstein hernioplasty: a multicenter study

Objective To asses the out come of Lichtenstein mesh repair of inguinal hernias with special reference to postoperative complications and recurrence rate. Method This prospective cohort study was carried out at Ziauddin Medical University Hospital, Karachi and Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad over a period of four years from March 2002 to February 2006. All patients above the age of 18 or more with inguinal hernia were included in this study. Recurrent inguinal hernias, obstructed inguinal hernia and patients with cirrhosis/ascites were excluded from the study. Post operative complications and recurrence rates were noted. Results Ninety three patients were studied. Scrotal hematoma and surgical site infection were the most common early complications followed by wound haematoma and seroma formation. There was no recurrence during one year of follow-up. About 4.3% patients had moderate to severe groin pain affecting their daily activities. Conclusion Lichtenstein mesh repair of inguinal hernia is associated with very low morbidity rate. (Rawal Med J 2009;34: ).