The change in groin pain perception after transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with glue fixation: a prospective trial of a single surgeon's experience

Cyanoacrylate mesh fixation for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Alternatives to penetrating mesh fixation, such as surgical glue, are being investigated for their potential benefit in reducing chronic pain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the n-hexyl cyanoacrylate glue Ifabond™ for mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm study collected data from laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs using Ifabond™ (Peters Surgical, Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France) and a standard [Promesh® SURG ST (Peters Surgical)/Biomesh® P1 (Cousin Biotech, Wervicq-Sud, France)] or lightweight [Promesh® SURG LI (Peters Surgical)/Premium® Implant (Cousin Biotech)] polypropylene mesh. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain [100-scale Visual Analog Scale (VAS)]. Secondary endpoints were complications, hernia recurrences, and quality of life (QoL) (EQ-5D-3L health index and EQ-VAS). Patients were followed up at 5 weeks and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Six-hundred and thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Postoperative pain decreased at 5-week (3.97 ± 10.04; p < 0.0001) and 12-month (3.83 ± 11.26; p < 0.0001) follow-up compared with before surgery (26.96 ± 19.42). One hundred and fifteen patients (13.74%) experienced chronic pain in the groin at 12-month follow-up, of whom 14 (2.67%) required analgesics. There were 6 patients with major morbidities and one patient died of an unrelated cause. Two hernia recurrences occurred within 12-month follow-up. Patients' QoL increased from an EQ-5D-3L index score of 0.82 ± 0.19 preoperatively to 0.90 ± 0.15 at 5 weeks (p < 0.0001) and 0.92 ± 0.15 at 12 months after surgery (p < 0.0001). The EQ-VAS general health scoring increased from 79.03 ± 12.69 preoperatively to 84.31 ± 9.97 at 5-week (p < 0.0001) and 84.16 ± 14.48 at 12-month follow-up (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ifabond™ (Peters Surgical) is a safe, reliable, and feasible fixation method for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with a very high surgeon satisfaction score, improved patients' QoL, and comparable risk of developing chronic pain and postoperative complications as described in the literature.

Does the Weight Matter? Short-Term Outcomes of Lightweight Versus Heavyweight Three-Dimensional Anatomical Mesh in Minimally Invasive Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background: The type of mesh used in inguinal hernia repairs remains controversial. There are limited data looking at specific mesh-related complications. The objective of this study is to assess postoperative 90-day outcomes in lightweight (LW) and heavyweight (HW) anatomical mesh in minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs. Methods: A retrospective single-center database was queried for all adult minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs with anatomical mesh from July 2016 to March 2021. Demographics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Results: Six hundred forty-seven minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs were performed with 423 (65.3%) using HW and 224 (24.7%) using LW mesh. There was no difference in mean body mass index between the groups (26.9 ± 4.2 kg/m2 in the LW group and 27.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2 in the HW group; P = .69). There was no difference in type of mesh fixation used in either group, with tacker being the most common. There was no difference in postoperative emergency department (ED) visit (P = .625), readmission rates (P = .562), or postoperative complications between the two groups. Fifty patients presented with seroma within 90 days. There were five recurrences in each group and only one surgical site infection in the LW within 90 days. Multivariate logistic regression was performed, and predictors of seroma formation included age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; confidence interval [CI] 1-1.04; P = .02) and hypertension (HTN) (OR 1.8; CI 1.03-3.4; P = .039). HW mesh was not associated with seroma formation (OR 1.04; CI 0.5-1.9; P = .895). Similarly, HW mesh was not associated with surgical site occurrences (SSO) (OR 1.04; CI 0.5-1.8; P = .872). HTN was associated with SSO (OR 1.74; CI 1-3.05; P = .048). Conclusion: Our study did not favor the use of LW or HW mesh when comparing postoperative complications or clinical outcomes. HW mesh was not associated with either seroma formation or SSO.

Risk factors predicting acute postoperative pain immediately after minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair

Introduction

Acute postoperative pain remains one of the most common problems, even after laparoscopic or endoscopic hernia repair. Avoiding predictive factors for acute pain after surgery or prescribing additional analgesia for a patient who has risk factors that cannot be removed can be one of the options to reduce acute postoperative pain. However, there is a lack of clinical studies that evaluate the predictive factors of postoperative pain after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) surgeries.

Aim

To identify independent risk factors predicting pain after laparoscopic and endoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Material and methods

A prospective, randomized clinical trial was carried out by randomising patients into 2 groups (TAPP and TEP). Pre-operative and peri-operative findings were recorded. Postoperative pain was evaluated 3 h after the surgery using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Groups of patients who felt mild pain (VAS 0-2) and patients who felt average or severe pain (VAS 3-10) were compared.

Results

A total of 132 male patients were included in the study. Disease duration of more than 1 year, smoking, and TAPP surgery significantly increase the risk of moderate and strong pain 3 h after surgery. Conversely, shorter duration of symptoms and physical occupation decrease the risk of acute pain score greater than 3 according to the VAS.

Conclusions

The study shows that the duration since groin hernia appearance, smoking, physical occupation, and TAPP technique are possible predictive factors for acute postoperative pain after minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair. We suggest that for patients who have those predictors, some factors can be avoided or additional analgesia can be used.

Fixation free laparoscopic obliteration of inguinal hernia defects with the 3D dynamic responsive scaffold ProFlor

Laparoscopic TAPP/TEP approaches are well-established options for the cure of inguinal hernias. As in the open approach, mesh fixation and poor-quality biologic response represent controversial questions and are a source of concerns. Furthermore, hernia defect patency represents another problem which seems not well acknowledged among surgeons. These problems are considered the cause of frequent intra and postoperative complications. To overcome these concerns, recently a different concept of cure has emerged. Based on a newly developed dynamic responsive 3D scaffold named ProFlor, a permanent hernia defect obliteration has been finalized. Following its inherent centrifugal expansion due to its dynamic responsivity, this hernia device is positioned fixation free within the defect and induces a probiotic biological response allowing for the re-establishment of the degenerated inguinal barrier. A laparoscopic approach with the 3D scaffold has been tested on 71 patients to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing intra and postoperative complications. The operated patients presented with bilateral and/or recurrent inguinal hernia. Overall, 122 hernia defects were obliterated with 119 dynamic responsive scaffolds. The procedures were carried out from January 2018 to January 2022 with a defined protocol and detailed procedural steps. The laparoscopic technique with the 3D hernia scaffold allowed for fixation free placement, permanent defect obliteration and dynamically induced regenerative effects. The technique proved effective in reducing intra and postoperative complications. In particular, early postoperative pain and discomfort significantly decreased. No chronic pain and no recurrences were reported during follow up. The results achieved with the described laparoscopic technique seem to embody an innovative concept for inguinal hernia repair. Fixation free, dynamic responsive, permanent defect obliteration, histologically proven regenerative effects are the distinctive features of this 3D scaffold. It seems to embody a more physiological and pathogenetically coherent concept of cure, thus improving treatment results of this widespread disease.

Minimizing complications following transinguinal preperitoneal modified Kugel mesh herniorrhaphy: a double blind prospective randomized clinical trial

Transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) single-layer mesh herniorrhaphy has been proven effective. Mesh manufacturers make either a single-unit, two-layer mesh design or a separate optional onlay with the pre-peritoneal mesh. For peace of mind, most surgeons still incorporate the optional onlay. This study evaluated any counterproductive effects of adding the onlay to single-layer TIPP mesh herniorrhaphy and compared the long-term efficacy. This prospective, single-surgeon, single-center, randomized trial compared two groups of 50 consecutive patients at a 1 to 1 ratio. The control group received a single-layer modified Kugel mesh in the preperitoneal space, while the study group received the optional onlay mesh in the inguinal canal with preperitoneal mesh placement. A single surgeon performed the same operation to place the preperitoneal mesh in both groups, the only difference being the placement of the optional onlay mesh in the study group. A blinded researcher performed post-operative interviews using a series of questions at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and another unblinded researcher organized and performed statistical analysis of the peri-operative and post-operative data. The primary endpoints included foreign body sensation, pain, and any other discomfort in the inguinal region following surgery; and the secondary endpoints included recurrence and any complications related to surgery. The patient demographics were similar between the two groups. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Two patients in the 1-layer group and one patient in the 2-layer group were lost to follow-up. Postoperative pain, numbness and soreness were similar between groups. No patients experienced a foreign body sensation after 3 months in the 1-layer group, while five patients still had a foreign body sensation at 12 months in the 2-layer group. No recurrence was noted in either group during the follow-up period. Adequate dissection of the preperitoneal space is the key to a successful single-layer TIPP herniorrhaphy. With decreased materials in the inguinal canal, single-layer TIPP has a lower rate of long-term postoperative discomfort without increasing the risk of future recurrence.

Trial registration: ISRCTN 47111213

Cost-effectiveness analysis of mesh fixation techniques for laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia surgeries

Purpose

This study reports economic evaluation of mesh fixation in open and laparoscopic hernia repair from a prospective real-world cohort study, using cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis (CUA).

Methods

A prospective real-world cohort study was conducted in two university-based hospitals in Thailand from November 2018 to 2019. Patient data on hernia features, operative approaches, clinical outcomes, associated cost data, and quality of life were collected. Models were used to determine each group’s treatment effect, potential outcome means, and average treatment effects. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was used to evaluate the incremental risk of hernia recurrences.

Results

The 261 patients in this study were divided into six groups: laparoscopic with tack (LT, n = 47), glue (LG, n = 26), and self-gripping mesh (LSG, n = 30), and open with suture (OS, n = 117), glue (OG, n = 18), and self-gripping mesh (OSG, n = 23). Hernia recurrence was most common in LSG. The mean utility score was highest in OG and OSG (both 0.99). Treatment costs were generally higher for laparoscopic than open procedures. The cost-effectiveness plane for utility and hernia recurrence identified LSG as least cost effective. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves identified OG as having the highest probability of being cost effective at willingness to pay levels between $0 and $3,300, followed by OSG.

Conclusion

Given the similarity of hernia recurrence among all major procedures, the cost of surgery may impact the decision. According to our findings, open hernia repair with adhesive or self-gripping mesh appears most cost-effective.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08491-4.

Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in patients with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Prospective controlled study

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery is associated with several advantages. Surgical procedures in hemophilia or von Willebrand patients without replacement therapy (RT) to correct clotting factor deficiency may result in serious, life-threatening hemorrhagic episodes. Clotting factor concentrates improve hemostatic control but bleeding risk in major invasive procedures remains high.

Aim

Evaluation of totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) in patients with congenital hemorrhagic disorders (H) and comparison with results for non-hemophiliacs (NH) with regard to bleeding, postoperative pain, hernia recurrence, surgery time, demand for painkillers, hospital stay and recovery time.

Material and methods

The prospective controlled trial included 67 consecutive male patients scheduled for TEP-IHR between January 2010 and December 2018. Surgery was performed in groups H (n = 22) and NH (n = 45). Full study inclusion criteria were met by 65 patients (22 and 43 in H and NH groups respectively). Follow-up was carried out on the 1^st, 2^nd, and 7^th day and in the 1st and 3rd month postoperatively.

Results

TEP-IHR was successful for all patients. No life-threatening bleeding occurred and no patient required red blood cell transfusions or reoperation. No hernia recurrence was reported. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to surgery duration, postoperative hematoma frequency and demand for painkillers. In the H group, pain intensity was significantly higher during the first postoperative month and hospitalization and recovery were significantly longer.

Conclusions

TEP-IHR in hemophiliacs with RT is feasible and as effective for preventing hernia recurrence as in NH-patients. In hemophiliacs risk of bleeding complications and demand for painkillers are comparable to non-hemophiliacs although pain is more intense.

Outcomes of 207 totally extraperitoneal hernia repairs using self-fixation mesh

Inguinal hernia (IH) repair is one of the most common procedures in general surgery around the world. Minimizing postoperative acute and chronic pain without increasing recurrence has been a critical point, giving place to different strategies like self-fixation mesh. The current study aimed to describe a group of patients who underwent IH repair by Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) technique with self-gripping mesh at a fourth level hospital between 2012 and 2019. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database including patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP approach with self-fixation mesh for IH repair. Follow up data was obtained at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months post surgical intervention. 207 hernia repairs were performed in 142 patients, with a total of 66 patients with bilateral IH. 10.6% required hospitalization due to either concomitant procedure performed or cardiovascular comorbidities, with a mean hospital stay of 1.6 days. Median and late follow up was up to 5 years. 88.9% of patients complete a year, 86% two years, and 36.7% with a 5 year follow-up. IH repair using the TEP technique and self-fixation mesh showed to be an excellent approach, demonstrating satisfactory results in follow up and complications.

Treating incarcerated inguinal hernias with TEP is a viable option for experienced surgeons

Despite inguinal hernias being a common problem in public health, there is still scarce information about the epidemiology of the complications, especially incarceration, and their influence on the laparoscopic surgical methods considering the role of the learning process of the surgeon. Compare laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach in the repair of incarcerated and non-incarcerated inguinal hernias from the perspective of technical difficulty for trained surgeons. We obtained data about sex, age, location and type of hernia, surgery duration, ASA score, postoperative complications, previous surgeries and BMI. Groups were descriptively analyzed and statistically compared to verify how similar the samples were. 265 (90.1%) patients had non-incarcerated hernias and 29 (9.9%) incarcerated. We observed that there was no significant difference in the pattern of location (right, left or bilateral), sex, ASA, previous or complications between the two groups. Unilateral incarcerated hernias had longer operative times compared to non-incarcerated. No difference was found between bilateral hernias. We didn´t find significant epidemiological differences between incarcerated and non-incarcerated hernias. In our experience, with the limitation of a single-surgeon series, laparoscopic hernia repair achieved satisfactory results in terms of feasibility (especially for bilateral hernias) and safety.

The learning curve of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a comparison of three inexperienced surgeons

Introduction

Studies with inexperienced surgeons in terms of the learning curve for laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair are limited.

Aim

To compare three inexperienced surgeons in terms of the learning curve without supervision.

Material and methods

Patients’ data, which were from consecutive laparoscopic TEP hernioplasties between December 2017 and February 2020, were analysed retrospectively. The primary outcome was to compare the learning curve of three surgeons (Surgeon A, B, and C) in terms of complications, conversion, and duration of surgery. Secondary outcomes were recurrence rates.

Results

A total of 299 patients were included in the study. Conversion and intraoperative complication rates decreased after the first 60 cases (from 10% to 2.5%, p = 0.013 and from 9% to 2.5%, p = 0.027, respectively). The mean operative time reached a plateau of less than 40 min after 51–81 cases (Surgeon A 51, B 71, and C 81 cases). Ageing was a risk factor for intraoperative complications and recurrence (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, respectively), and higher body mass index (BMI) was a risk factor for conversion (p = 0.004). Age ≥ 60 years compared to age < 60 years increased intraoperative complications five-fold and recurrence six-fold (p = 0.001). On the other hand, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² increased the possibility of conversion to open surgery nine-fold (p < 0.001). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the operative time and the BMI and VAS score (p = 0.004, p = 0.015, respectively).

Conclusions

In order to reach the plateau in the operative time during the TEP learning curve period, more than 50 cases should be experienced, whereas more than 60 cases are needed for conversion, intraoperative complications, and recurrence.

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Approach with Negative Pressure Drainage for Giant Inguinal Hernia

Background: Giant inguinal hernia (GIH) is a rare disease but it can cause serious complications, such as intestinal obstruction and strangulation. Few studies have explored surgical treatment with respect to the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach or measures to reduce the occurrence of postoperative seroma. Purpose: To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TAPP approach with negative pressure drainage in GIHs. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2019, 32 patients who underwent TAPP procedures with negative pressure drainage for GIHs at our hospital were reviewed. Demographic information, surgical characteristics, and follow-up data were obtained. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66, and more than half of them had medical comorbidities. All GIHs were defined as Type 1 and were successfully repaired through the TAPP approach with negative pressure drainage. The mean operative time was 146 minutes (range 122-251). After surgery, the mean drainage time was 7 days (range 5-10 days), and the mean volume of drainage in each patient was 820 mL (range 655-1020 mL). Complications occurred in 3 cases. For 1 case, the inferior epigastric artery was injured during surgery. A seroma was observed in 1 patient, which occurred 2 days after removal of the drainage tube. Finally, 1 patient developed an umbilical puncture site infection, and the wound healed after changing the dressing. The mean follow-up was 13 months (range 1-32), and there was no recurrence or mesh infection during that time. Conclusion: TAPP is a safe and effective approach for treating Type 1 GIHs with low operative complications. Negative pressure drainage through the scrotum to the preperitoneal space may reduce the incidence of seroma. Recurrence of hernias was not observed, and chronic pain seldom occurred during the follow-up period in our study.

Tissue Adhesives for Hernia Mesh Fixation: A Literature Review

In an effort to optimize the results during inguinal hernia repair, surgeons need to consider the role of different mesh fixation techniques. The use of tissue adhesives is proposed for mesh fixation, which demonstrate similar or improved outcomes in the realm of postoperative pain, hernia recurrence, cost, and formation of a hematoma or seroma. In this review, mesh fixation using fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate glue is compared to standard suture or tack techniques. The results of this investigation warrant consideration by surgeons seeking to improve patient outcomes.

Infiltration of bupivacaine into the preperitoneal space and trocar incisions of patients undergoing laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of unilateral inguinal hernia: a prospective randomized controlled observational study

Introduction

Although laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia is associated with reduced postoperative pain, it is not entirely painless. In addition to reducing the need for analgesic medication, postoperative complications, and hospitalization, postoperative pain control enables early return to normal activity.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of bupivacaine instilled into the pre-peritoneal space and trocar incisions of patients undergoing laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia.

Material and methods

Bupivacaine was instilled into the pre-peritoneal space and trocar incisions of the patients in group I (n = 23), whereas it was infiltrated only into the trocar incisions of the patients in group II (n = 21). No local anesthetic was administered to the patients in group III (n = 21). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 4 and 24 h, and the dosage of analgesic medication was noted.

Results

No significant difference regarding age, gender, body mass index, ASA class, history of abdominal surgery, or smoking was noted between the three groups (p > 0.05). VAS score at 4 h was significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II (p < 0.05). The dosage of analgesic medication was significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between groups I and II (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Infiltration of long-acting local anesthetic into the pre-peritoneal space and trocar incisions of patients undergoing laparoscopic TEP repair of inguinal hernia reduces the need for analgesic medication by reducing early postoperative pain.

A comparison of the oxidative stress response in single-incision laparoscopic versus multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Introduction

Surgical treatment is always associated with tissue damage and the subsequent development of oxidative stress.

Aim

To compare the oxidative stress response in patients treated operatively for inguinal hernia with multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP) or single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP-SI).

Material and methods

A randomized group of 34 patients with one-sided inguinal hernia was enrolled in the study. Seventeen patients were treated with a standard TEP method (group 1) and the other 17 patients were treated with the TEP-SI technique (group 2). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) as the oxidative stress markers were measured before surgery (0), 1 day (1) and 4 days (2) after surgery.

Results

A decrease in TAS on the first day after surgery was observed in both groups. Sustained reduction on the fourth day after surgery was observed in group 1, whereas in group 2 an increase followed. A statistically significant difference was observed in TAS (2 : 0) ratio with a meaningful decrease in group 1. TBARS concentration was elevated 1 day after surgery in both groups. It remained at an elevated level on the fourth day after surgery in group 1, while it decreased in group 2. The duration of surgery was higher in group 2 (mean: 57.5 min) than in group 1 (mean: 50.0 min) (p = 0.0286).

Conclusions

Oxidative stress levels are lower in patients treated operatively by TEP-SI technique than by TEP. TEP-SI may be considered as a less invasive technique associated with less tissue injury.

Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with or without fixation leads to similar results. Outcome of randomized prospective trial

Introduction

The use of implants in inguinal hernia repair has reduced its recurrence rate. However, postoperative groin pain still remains an unresolved problem. There are suggestions that in totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) two of the likely factors responsible for pain are use of fixation and the type of fixation used.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of mesh fixation on the incidence of postoperative pain, restriction of physical activities, hernia recurrence risk, return to normal activities and demand for analgesics in patients after unilateral TEP-IHR.

Material and methods

Unilateral TEP-IHR was performed in 139 male patients randomized to three groups: self-gripping mesh (SG), lightweight mesh (L) and lightweight mesh with fixation (LF). Full study-inclusion criteria were met by 110 patients; 43, 18 and 49 in groups SG, L and LF respectively. Follow-up occurred on the 1^st, 2^nd, and 7^th day and 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively. The numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain and the EuraHS-QoL (European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life Score) questionnaire to compare quality of life (QoL) prior to surgery and one year later.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed between study groups with regard to the incidence rate and intensity of acute post-operative pain, chronic pain, analgesic demand, return to normal activity, hernia recurrence rate and post-operative QoL.

Conclusions

Lack of fixation in TEP-IHR does not increase the risk of hernia recurrence, and its presence does not significantly worsen the treatment results; especially it does not increase the incidence of chronic pain.

Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of Lichtenstein repair vs the Valenti technique for inguinal hernia

Purpose

The aim of the study was to offer a prospective comparative assessment of long-term outcomes for inguinal hernia repair using Valenti and Lichtenstein techniques.

Materials and methods

568 surgical procedures for unilateral inguinal hernia repair using the Valenti (group V) or the Lichtenstein technique (group L) were performed. After the mean follow-up time of 9 years (8–12), 185 patients (70.1%) treated using Valenti method and 186 patients (71.3%) treated using Lichtenstein method were clinically assessed. All clinical data were registered in National Hernia Registry. The rate of recurrence was assessed as primary outcome. The secondary outcome involved chronic pain (VAS).

Results

9-year recurrence rate was 2.2% in both groups. No significant difference in recurrence rate was demonstrated in analysis adjusted for surgeon’s education, type of hernia, hernia size, hernia duration, or BMI between two groups (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.69–1.67; p = 1.0). In follow-up the majority of patients reported no pain (71.9% in V; 73.7% in L). A constant pain was reported by four patients in each group. Severe pain was reported by 1.6% in V and 2.1% in L (p = 0.192).

Conclusions

Inguinal hernia repairs using Valenti and Lichtenstein methods show high, long-term effectiveness and do not significantly differ in the recurrence rate. Both methods ensure a low rate of chronic pain. The use of a single mesh size with a precisely defined shape and of a uniform mesh fixation method ensures the standardization of surgical technique. The Valenti method is an uncomplicated, technically reproducible procedure with a low learning curve.