Desarda Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair, a multicenter experience

Background: Recently introduced tension free Desarda technique for inguinal hernia repair is relatively less employed in the centers worldwide. The data available to assess the outcome of this technique is less due to centers conventionally using old and reliable techniques, such as Lichtenstein's repair. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore and Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital, Sialkot, from July 2013 to June 2014. We included male patients with unilateral inguinal hernia. Patients with bilateral inguinal hernia, recurrent hernia, obstructed or strangulated hernia and those with mental or other co-morbid conditions were excluded. Patients with weak or divided external oblique aponeurosis were also excluded. Desarda repair was done on 50 cases and patients were followed for 3 months and complications were noted to assess the outcome. Results: Total number of cases was 50. Mean age was 49.9 +/- 13.4 years. Patients with right sided inguinal hernia were 62%, while 38% with left. 14% patients developed post op haematoma, 5% developed seroma, 14% developed surgical site infection, 8% chronic pain and none developed recurrence. Overall complication was noted in 10(20%) out of 50 patients. Conclusion: Desarda repair is safe and effective for inguinal hernia with very low rate of recurrence. It avoids foreign material in the form of mesh, and low cost in terms of exclusion of mesh.