Efficacy of Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using porcine small intestinal submucosa mesh

doi:10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2017.11.16

Abstract：Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lichtenstein hernioplasty using porcine small intestinal submucosa mesh (SIS).Methods The clinical data of 87 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent Lichtenstein hernia repair with SIS mesh from March 1,2012 to October 31,2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed retrospectively.The postoperative complications of the patients were analyzed and the long-term effects were observed.Results The mean operation time was (55.7±6.9) minutes (range 45 to 70 minutes).The postoperative pain score of VAS in 24 hours was 0 points in 9 patients (10.3％),1 to 3 scores in 71 patients (81.6％),4 to 6 scores in 7 patients (8.0％),respectively.Postoperative serum swelling was found in 2 patients (2.3％).4.6％ (4/87) of patients showed fat liquefaction or infection in the wound,and all the patients did not remove the patches,who were cured after changing dressings and using antibiotics.Slight swelling of the scrotum occurred in 3 patients (3.9％).A total of 70 patients were followed up for a long term of 36 (range 22.5 to 66.0) months.The follow-up rate was 80.5％.Seventeen patients (24.3％) felt mild pain during exercise and no obvious resting pain.Ten patients (14.3％) had groin discomfort during exercise,and there was no discomfort at rest.Ten patients (14.3％) had inguinal numbness or sensory differences lasting for 6 to 12 months.Three patients (4.3％) felt mild foreign sensation in the groin area and lasted for 6 to 12 months.One patient (1.4％) relapsed.The testicular complications and sexual function in 59 patients had been followed up.There were no testicular atrophy,no ejaculatory dysfunction or pain,and the sexual function did not decrease compared with the preoperative condition.Conclusion SIS mesh used in Lichtenstein repair is safe and effective.It may be superior to synthetic patch in chronic pain,and long-term effect needs the further observation.