Polyglycolic acid (Dexon) versus Mersilene in repair of inguinal hernia

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Hernia Repair Techniques
• Biomaterials in Surgery

Background:

• Inguinal hernioplasty is a common surgical procedure.
• Suture material choice impacts complication rates and recurrence.
• Mersilene and Dexon are commonly used suture materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of early and late complications after inguinal hernioplasty using Mersilene versus Dexon sutures.
• To evaluate the recurrence rates associated with each suture type.
• To determine the reliability of absorbable polyglycolic acid (Dexon) sutures in preventing recurrent inguinal hernias.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized study design.
• Inclusion of 520 patients undergoing inguinal hernioplasty.
• Comparison of complication rates (neuralgia, fistula) and recurrence rates between Mersilene and Dexon suture groups.

Main Results:

• Overall recurrence rates were similar: 5.1% for Mersilene and 4.9% for Dexon.
• Persistent neuralgia was more frequent with Mersilene, requiring ilioinguinal nerve resection in two cases.
• One suture fistula occurred in the Mersilene group; no serious complications were noted with Dexon.

Conclusions:

• Dexon (absorbable polyglycolic acid) sutures are a reliable option for preventing recurrent inguinal hernias.
• Dexon sutures are associated with a favorable safety profile compared to Mersilene.
• Absorbable sutures offer a viable alternative for inguinal hernia repair, potentially reducing long-term complications.