Mesh Fixation Versus Nonfixation in Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background It remains controversial whether mesh should be fixed during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare fixation and nonfixation in laparoscopic groin hernia repair. Methods A registration was listed with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; registration no. CRD42022350469). Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify RCTs comparing fixation with nonfixation in laparoscopic groin hernia repair. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain at 24 hours and recurrence. Secondary outcomes were mean operative time, urinary retention, and postoperative pain at 6 months. Results A total of 18 trials, including 2617 patients with 2878 hernias, were included in this meta-analysis. In contrast to the fixation group, the nonfixation group was associated with lower postoperative pain scores at 24 hours and 6 months, a shorter mean operative time, and a lower incidence of urinary retention. There were no significant differences between the 2 types of procedures in terms of the rate of recurrence for patients with an inguinal hernia orifice smaller than 4 cm in size. Conclusions The nonfixation technique is an effective method to reduce urinary retention, mean operative time, and postoperative pain at 24 hours and at 6 months; however, the rate of recurrence was comparable to that of the fixation method.