Fibrin sealant in inguinal hernioplasty: an observational multicentre study in 1,201 patients

Purpose A prospective, multicentre, observational study was undertaken to assess Tisseel (R) fibrin sealant for atraumatic mesh fixation in inguinal hernia repair throughout France. Methods Surgeons recorded data on patients undergoing tension-free inguinal hernioplasty with mesh fixation with Tisseel (R), regardless of the hernioplasty technique used. Assessments were made at 2 days and 1 month after surgery. Data on local complications, operation times and ease of product use were collected. Results In total, 1,201 patients were recruited (90% men, mean age 57 years), among which 526 procedures were performed using open techniques and 675 using laparoscopic repairs. Local complications occurred in 4.7% of patients: 3.0% haematoma, 1.4% seroma, 0.3% recurrence. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS)-rated pain scores were 3.2 pre-operatively, 2.3 immediately after surgery and 1.8 at 1 month. Surgeons rated the product as very easy to use. Conclusions Tisseel (R) fibrin sealant appears to be a well-tolerated and easy-to-use alternative to traditional, tissue-penetrating devices for mesh fixation in hernia repair techniques.