Inguinal hernia repair with beta glucan-coated mesh: prospective multicenter study (115 cases)--preliminary results

Prosthetic reinforcement is now routine in the management of inguinal hernia, and it significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. However, there may be postoperative pain and discomfort of late onset, the intensity of which appears to be related to the rigidity of the material and its ability to integrate with tissues. We have evaluated the results of implantation with beta glucan-coated polypropylene mesh both objectively (early recurrence) and functionally (pain and quality of life). The mass of the coated mesh is reduced by 50% compared to a typical polypropylene implant. Beta glucan is an entirely natural plant product that eliminates the risk of viral or prion contamination associated with the use of collagen of animal origin. One hundred fifteen patients with a mean age of 55 years with a primary or recurrent inguinal hernia were treated with a prosthesis (Glucamesh). Fifty-eight patients underwent a Lichtenstein procedure, and 57 had a laparoscopic procedure (TEP, TAPP). Mean operative time was 40 min. There was no mortality, and morbidity was 8.6%. At 3 months follow-up, no recurrences were observed. The characteristics of the prosthesis were considered to be good or excellent in 93.9-100% of cases. Residual postoperative pain (analogue pain score less than 2) occurred in 4.3% of cases at day 15 and in 2.7% at day 90. The quality-of-life health score of the SF36 questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively showed a significant improvement ( P<0.05) in the scores and a quality of life equivalent to healthy control subjects. This prosthesis is associated with a rapid and significant resolution of postoperative pain and a quick return to normal activity with an improved quality of life. In addition, the plant origin of the prosthesis eliminates any risk of viral or prion contamination.