Comparing Lichtenstein with darning for inguinal hernia repair in an African population

Being a relatively new entrant into our practice, mesh repair has not been compared with previously existing tissue-based techniques in our setting. This study is set out to compare darning with Lichtenstein technique of inguinal hernia repair in terms of frequency of post-operative complications, recovery and cost.

Patients with uncomplicated, primary inguinal hernia were randomized to have their hernias repaired either by the Lichtenstein or darning technique. Details of their socio-demographic, hernia characteristics and intra-operative findings were recorded. Postoperatively patients were assessed for pain, wound site complications and recurrence. Both direct and indirect costs were calculated. Mean duration of follow-up was 7.5 months.

Sixty-seven patients were studied. Thirty-three had Lichtenstein repair while 34 had darning repair. Lichtenstein repair was associated with less post-operative pain, less analgesic requirement, and shorter time of return to work activities, these were all statistically significant (p < 0.05). Frequency of post-operative complications was comparable in both groups with wound haematoma and scrotal oedema being the commonest. There was no recurrence in any of the groups. Total cost was comparable between the two groups.

Lichtenstein is superior to darning in terms of post-operative recovery while both techniques are comparable in terms of frequency of early post-operative complications and total cost.