Desarda versus Lichtenstein mesh for inguinal hernia repair: a randomized trial

Background: Surgical repair of inguinal hernia is done to repair hernia in groin. Tension-free Desarda method for inguinal hernia has been introduced. This is applied in few cases in surgical centers all over the world. But Lichtenstein is most commonly applied method. Aim: To compare the outcome of Desarda versus Lichtenstein mesh for surgical repair of inguinal hernia. Methods: Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Duration of study: 6 months. Data collection: 60 males of age 18-70years with diagnosis of inguinal hernia were included and were randomly divided in 2 groups. In group 1, Lichtenstein mesh repair was done. In group 2, Desarda non-mesh repair was done. Duration of surgery was noted. After 72 hours, patients were assessed for pain using a VAS. Patients were observed for seroma and infection within 7 days of surgery while for recurrence and resumption of normal gait after 6months. All this information was recorded on proforma and was entered and analyzed into SPSS Vr 21. Results: Mean age of the patients was 52.13 +/- 12.55years in Lichtenstein group and 50.24 +/- 100.89years in desarda group. The mean duration of surgery was 44.57 +/- 3.95min with Lichtenstein while 35.96 +/- 2.76min with desarda. The mean pain score was 2.47 +/- 1.21 after 72 hours with Lichtenstein while 1.92 +/- 0.34 with desarda (p<0.05). Seroma was developed in 2(6.7%) patients, infection in 3 (10%) patients and recurrence occurred in 1(3.3%) patients with Lichtenstein while 0 with desarda and resumption of normal gait in 6months was observed in 27(90%) patients with Lichtenstein while in 30(100%) with desarda method (p>0.05). Conclusion: The desarda had less complication and less pain and operative time as compared to Lichtenstein for management of inguinal hernia.