A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Skin Staples and Polypropylene Sutures for Securing the Mesh in Lichtenstein's Repair

Abstract

Pankaj Shivhare, Pankaj Dugg, Sushil Mittal, Harnam Singh, Ashwani Kumar

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the duration of surgery and postoperative outcome of securing mesh with skin staples versus polypropylene sutures in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Method: A total of 96 patients with inguinal hernia undergoing Lichtenstein mesh repair were randomly assigned into two groups. The mesh was secured by using either skin staples (group I) or polypropylene sutures (group II). Results: Mesh fixation with skin staples is as effective as conventional sutures with the added advantage of significant reduction in the operating time and complications. Conclusions: The staples can be applied much more quickly than sutures for fixing the mesh, thus saving the operating time. The infection rate is significantly decreased with staples. The staples are not associated with any significant complications or recurrence.