Assessment of foreign body sensation and patient satisfaction after inguinal hernia repair: A prospective randomized comparative study.

Yashaswini  Nanda; Kumar  Mrigesh; Suvit  Jumde; Tanu Pradhan

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2103

Authors

Yashaswini Nanda Consultant, Department of General surgery, LNMH, Narsinghpur, India
Kumar Mrigesh Assistant Professor Department Of General Surgery, Netaji Subhas Medical College, Bihta Patna Bihar, India
Suvit Jumde Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Himalayan institute of medical sciences, Dehradun, India
Tanu Pradhan Associate Consultant, Department of Surgical Oncology, Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital, Jamshedpur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2103

Keywords:

foreign body sensation, inguinal hernia repair, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, elective Lichtenstein repair

Abstract

Background
Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair is the standard approach for inguinal hernia. However, patient-centered outcomes such as postoperative pain and foreign body sensation (FBS) influence long-term satisfaction. Lightweight meshes have been developed to reduce stiffness and mesh awareness. This study compared lightweight and heavyweight polypropylene meshes regarding FBS and inferred patient satisfaction.

Methods
This prospective randomized comparative study was conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), a 1200-bed tertiary-care teaching hospital in Wardha, India, from September 2016 to September 2018. One hundred adult male patients with unilateral, uncomplicated inguinal hernia undergoing elective Lichtenstein repair were randomized equally into heavyweight mesh (Group I) and lightweight mesh (Group II). Pain (VAS), FBS, complications, and hospital stay were recorded over 12 months. Patient satisfaction was inferred based on recovery outcomes.

Results
Early postoperative pain was lower in the lightweight group (mean VAS 1.98 ± 0.86 vs 2.64 ± 1.15; p<0.05). FBS was significantly higher in the heavyweight group at 1 month (24% vs 12%; χ²=4.87, p=0.027), 3 months (24% vs 8%; χ²=9.52, p=0.002), and 6 months (12% vs 4%; χ²=4.34, p=0.037). No FBS was reported in either group at 12 months. Mean hospital stay was shorter with lightweight mesh (4.78 ± 1.52 vs 6.70 ± 2.71 days). No recurrence occurred.

Conclusion
Lightweight polypropylene mesh significantly reduces early postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, and hospital stay without compromising recurrence rates.

Recommendation
Lightweight mesh should be preferred for Lichtenstein repair, especially in active and working-age patients to enhance postoperative comfort and satisfaction.

Author Biographies

Yashaswini Nanda, Consultant, Department of General surgery, LNMH, Narsinghpur, India

Consultant Surgeon, LNMH, India.

Kumar Mrigesh, Assistant Professor Department Of General Surgery, Netaji Subhas Medical College, Bihta Patna Bihar, India

Assistant Professor, General Surgery, NSM Medical College, India.

Suvit Jumde, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Himalayan institute of medical sciences, Dehradun, India

Assistant Professor, Urology, HIMS Dehradun, India.

Tanu Pradhan, Associate Consultant, Department of Surgical Oncology, Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital, Jamshedpur

Surgical Oncologist, Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital, India.

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