Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
More recurrences after hernia mesh fixation with short-term absorbable sutures: A registry study of 82 015
Bengt Novik1, Pär Nordin, Stefan Skullman
1Department of Surgery, Skaraborg Hospital, Falköping, Sweden. bengt.novik@ki.se
Objective:
To assess the effects of different mesh fixation suture materials on the risk of recurrence after Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.
Design:
Observational, population-based registry study.
Setting:
Data from the nationwide Swedish Hernia Registry.
Patients:
All 82 015 Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasties with sutured mesh fixation in adolescents and adults (15 years or older) from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2009, at surgical units enrolled in the Swedish Hernia Registry.
Interventions:
Mesh fixation with nonabsorbable, long-term absorbable, or short-term absorbable sutures. Main Outcome Measure Relative risk (RR) for reoperation due to recurrence of a hernia in the same groin during the study period, based on cumulative reoperation rates adjusted for time and confounding variables.
Results:
For each study group, RR was calculated with multiregression analysis. There was no significant difference in risk for reoperation after mesh fixation with standard nonabsorbable sutures (RR, 1) or with long-term absorbable sutures (RR, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.55; P = .49). Short-term absorbable sutures, however, more than doubled that risk (RR, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.67-2.99; P < .001).
Conclusions:
With regard to recurrence risk, long-term absorbable sutures are an excellent alternative to permanent sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty. Short-term absorbable sutures entail an independent risk factor for recurrence and should therefore be avoided.
