A Prospective Study Comparing The Desarda Technique Versus Lichtenstein Technique For Inguinal Hernia Treatment

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The inguinal hernia is one of the most common problems in the world. An ideal hernia repair is still elusive. Currently Lichtenstein mesh repair technique is widely followed for hernia repair. Desarda technique of inguinal hernia repair introduced in 2001 is still not considered standard tissue based hernia repair technique. The aim of the study was to compare the tissue based Desarda technique with standard Lichtenstein repair in treatment of primary inguinal hernia. METHODS: 70 cases were allocated into 2 groups. Desarda (D Group) had 35 and Lichtenstein (M Group) had 35 patients. Primary outcome factors included operative time measured from skin incision to skin closure. Post operative pain scores was assessed on day 1,3,14 ,30 and 90 using Sheffield scale.Duration of hospital stay was noted. Ecchymosis, hematoma, seroma, surgical site infections,foreign body sensation etc. were evaluated as postoperative complications. A follow up examination was planned for 6 month to look for early recurrence(<6month) and chronic groin pain. RESULTS: Mean age in desarda’s group 43.71 ±12.79 years while Lichtenstein group was 49.89±14.31 years .The mean duration of surgery 41.69 min(D) vs 45.66 min(M). Duration of hospital stay 3.31 days(D) vs 4.03 days(M).Time taken to return to normal and work activities was significantly less in Desarda group (P = 0.001). There was no statistical difference in rates of post-operative complications among the two arms of the study. After 6-month mean follow up period 1 recurrence is noted in each arm (P = 1). CONCLUSION: On comparison of Desarda technique with standard Lichtenstein repair. Desarda technique does not use a mesh. Patients after Desarda's operative procedure gets normal activity sooner as compared to the standard Lichtenstein mesh repair. complications similar to standardized technique. We also found the use of Desarda technique in patients with indirect hernia is a technically sound option than Lichtenstein technique.