Conversion of 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional mesh for resource-limited centres in developing countries

In recent years, laparoscopic hernia repair, i.e. transabdominal pre-peritoneal and totally extraperitoneal repairs have been considered the method of choice, especially for recurrent hernias after open repair or bilateral inguinal hernias. However, they pose numerous challenges such as increased post-operative pain due to tacking or fixation of mesh, chronic pain syndrome due to entrapment of nerves and mesh migration or invagination. A 3-dimensional (3D) mesh was introduced to overcome the shortcomings of a 2-dimensional (2D) mesh which does not conform to inguinal anatomy. However, in a resource-limited country like India, the widespread use of a 3D mesh may not be possible owing to its high cost.

We included a total of 55 patients in our study who underwent laparoscopic extended totally extraperitoneal repair hernia repair for 1 year beginning from December 2021 to November 2022 with a follow-up of a minimum of 1 year till November 2023. In our study group ( n = 27), we used a novel technique of converting a 2D mesh to a 3D mesh, which was subsequently placed without fixation. In our control group ( n = 28), we used a standard polypropylene mesh with one-point suture fixation.

All patients in our study showed satisfactory post-operative recovery. There was no significant difference in the post-operative pain (assessed by mean Visual Analogue Scores 1.24 ± 0.44 vs. 1.87 ± 0.56; P > 0.1) and the mean length of hospital stay in days (1.12 ± 0.33 vs. 1.16 ± 0.38; P > 0.1), respectively, in the study and control groups. None of our patients showed signs or symptoms of chronic pain or recurrence in our period of follow-up. Our technique of converting 2D to 3D mesh is a safe and feasible approach and maybe a potential alternative to a traditional 3D mesh in resource-limited settings.