EARLY POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS OF MESH REPAIR OF INGUINAL HERNIA BY LICHTENSTEIN TENSION-FREE REPAIR

BACKGROUND: To find out the early postoperative complications of mesh repair of inguinal herniaby Lichtenstein tension free repair.METHODOLOGY: This descriptive study was done in Surgical Unit of District HeadquartersHospital, Timergara, Dir Lower, for 1 year, from 01-01-2013 to 31-12-2013. A total of 100 cases ofinguinal hernia, male, age 20 years and above, all inguinal hernias (direct and indirect) and recurrenthernias were included in the study in which mesh repair was performed. Females and complicatedhernias (strangulated/obstructed) cases were excluded from the study. Included cases were followed upin the ward and at 2 weeks and 1st month postoperatively for any complications.RESULTS: Majority 23% cases were in the age range of 51-60 years. The right sided hernia found in62% cases, in 55% cases indirect inguinal hernia and in majority 97% cases primary inguinal hernia wasrecorded. Postoperatively at 2 weeks follow up wound hematoma was found in 10% cases, seroma in09%, wound infection in 02%, pain in 12%, urinary retention in 06%, and scrotal swelling in 04% cases.Postoperatively at 1st month follow up wound hematoma was found in 06% cases, seroma in 04%,wound infection in 01%, pain in 07%, urinary retention in 03%, and scrotal swelling in 01% cases.CONCLUSIONS: In majority of cases right sided, indirect, primary inguinal hernia has been recorded.Older age males and patients with poor and unhygienic conditions were more affected with this disease.KEY WORDS: Inguinal hernia-primary; recurrent, mesh hemioplasty, postoperative pain, woundinfection, hematoma, seroma.