Comparative Study of Results of Stoppas Repair Vs Lichensteins Meshplasty in the Management of Inguinal Hernia

Introduction: Repair of inguinal hernia remained a demanding task from the fact that many methods with different approaches and material tried since historical times. A definite or ideal solution for the problem has yet not been evolved despite best efforts of surgeons. One point is agreed globally is institution of nontension repair. This is possible only by using synthetic mesh as �patch� for the defect. Lichtenstein repair became the standard procedure out of several other methods and improved the results on all parameters versus repairs causing tension over tissues with sutures. The most commonly performed procedure was Bassini�s repair. Recently introduced repair as preperitoneal placement of mesh ( Stoppa�s repair), gaining popularity especially after the introduction of laparoscopic surgery. Open preperitoneal repair is becoming popular because of low cost and almost a daycare procedure under local anaesthesia. Material and methods: A comparative study done over 100 cases; 50 in each group.50 cases were subjected to preperitoneal open repair and another 50 were repaired with classical Lichtenstein method. All patients were males between ages of 20- 60yrs. Patients with comorbidities affecting healing namely diabetes, chronic renal failure, impaired liver function, anaemia etc. were not included in the study. Similarily, patients with recurrent problem, local distorted anatomy or infection were excluded from the series. A follow-up of one year was done and the study period extended over six months i. e. patients came over a period of six months. Results: the results were interpreted on following parameters -operation time, post operative pain, ambulation, chronic groin pain, recurrence and infection of mesh. Here the graph was tilting in favour of the preperitoneal method. Conclusion: Though Lichtenstein method has become the gold standard unequivocally and mastered by most of the surgeons; still there is a room for improvement on certain fronts like � post operative pain which is a constant feature with this method. Groin pain as chronic nagging pain also gets reduced to a great extent by the new method although infection rate and recurrence showed no difference.