Long-term outcome after randomizing prolene hernia system, mesh plug repair and Lichtenstein for inguinal hernia...

To assess long-term superiority in terms of chronic pain between prolene hernia system (PHS), mesh plug repair (MPR) and Lichtenstein (L) technique for inguinal hernia repair.

Eight years after randomizing three commonly used techniques for primary inguinal hernia repair, the outcome was evaluated with a questionnaire measuring pain on verbal descriptor and visual analogue scales, including limitations on daily life activities, sensory disturbances and recurrences. From previous results patients characteristics, operative details and short- and mid-term pain outcome were extracted.

270 out of 308 eligible patients (88%) completed the follow-up after median 7.6 years (range 6.9-9.2) after the inguinal hernia operation. No significant differences between the repair techniques were found for pain, sensory disturbances or recurrences. Overall, the hernia recurrence rate was 6.3%. In total 63 patients (23%) reported long-term pain of which one-fourth graded this moderate to severe. Pain was experienced at least weekly by 26 patients (10%) and limiting daily activities for 36 patients (13%). With regard to the previously reported pain at 3 and 15 months follow-up, 106 patients (39%) experience no pain at all. For 101 patients (37%), initial pain disappeared. 41 patients (15%) suffered persisting pain at all three measure moments. 22 patients (8%) reported pain at 8 years follow-up after an initial pain-free period.

Long-term outcome after randomizing PHS, MPR and L showed no clinically relevant differences in chronic pain and its consequences. Although chronic pain is diminishing over time it remains a serious complication and has sometimes an onset long after the inguinal repair.