Polypropylene vs. ePTFE vs. WN mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair - a prospective, randomized, double blind pilot study of one-year follow-up

Introduction: Type of mesh may influence postoperative discomfort after Lichtenstein hernia repair Material and methods: A total of 75 patients were allocated randomly and blindly into three groups to receive polypropylene (PP), ePTFE or WN mesh. Collected data included: procedure time, pain scores, analgesic medication, time of hospitalization and return to physical activity, complications, quality of life as measured by SF-36 on days 1, 7 and 90. Results: Pain on days 1 and 7 was higher in the PP group (p<5 x 10(-5)) and not differ between the ePTFE and WN groups. Incidence of persistent pain was higher in the PP group (p<0.002); there was no chronic pain in the INN group. SF-36 physical scores confirmed those observations. No recurrences were observed in any groups. One late infection of the mesh needing mesh removal was observed in the ePTFE group. No other differences were observed. Conclusions: The study indicates less postoperative pain and lower chronic pain rate with the ePTFE and WN mesh compared with polypropylene.