A Minor Modification of Lichtenstein Repair of Primary Inguinal Hernia: Postoperative Discomfort Evaluation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a modification of the Lichtenstein hernioplasty procedure by evaluating its impact on postoperative discomfort. From December 1999 to May 2006, the Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty was performed in 406 patients with noncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernia. During reconstruction, the mesh was fixed to the inguinal canal floor without stitching its upper margin to the internal oblique muscle. Control of postoperative pain proved to be satisfactory; 72 hours after surgery, 26.1 per cent of patients no longer felt any pain, whereas 54.4 per cent had slight pain without the need for painkillers; on Day 7, 92.8 per cent felt no pain at all. After 10 days, 86.7 per cent of those with sedentary jobs were able to return to work, whereas 79.1 per cent of those with heavier jobs resumed work in 11 to 15 days. Our modification of the original Lichtenstein procedure permitted us to obtain satisfactory results with regard to the control of postoperative chronic pain and a rapid reprisal of normal working activity.