Experience with Lichtenstein Hernioplasty in Sagamu

Abstract

Background: Newer methods have evolved to address the major drawback of the traditional methods of hernia repair. These emphasize the use of prosthetic materials to strengthen the posterior wall of the inguinal canal without tension. Although Lichtenstein hernioplasty, like other newer methods, is associated with low recurrence rates, it is not commonly used in our clinical setting.

Objective: To review the outcome of Lichtenstein hernioplasty using polypropylene mesh in a resource-poor setting.

Methods: The hospital records of patients who had Lichtenstein hernioplasty between the year 2004 and 2013 in a six-bed private surgical clinic and who were followed up over a two- to ten-year period, were studied. Demographic data, clinical features, operative findings and outcome measures like post-operative complications and recurrence rates, were recorded.

Results: There were 62 patients (with 69 hernias) of which 2 were females with the age range of 12-84years. 50 hernias (72.5%) were of the inguinoscrotal type, 39 patients (63.0%) had right inguinal hernias, 5 (7.2%) hernias were obstructed and 8 (11.2%) hernias were recurrent. Six (9.7%) had emergency surgery, 46 (74.2%) had surgery under local infiltrations and 15 (24.2%) had spinal anaesthesia. Scrotal oedema (4.3%), haematoma (1.4%), and hydrocoele (1.4%) were the early complications recorded. One recurrence of hernia occurred in a patient who had repair of twice recurrent hernia. The mean duration of follow-up in years was 5 (S.D 2.5) years.

Conclusion: Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia was a safe and effective procedure in the private clinical setting.