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Evidence summaries

Open Mesh Versus Non-Mesh Repair of Inguinal Hernia

Use of mesh during open groin hernia repair is associated with a considerable reduction in the risk of hernia recurrence, with no apparent disadvantages. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 22 studies with a total of 5155 subjects. Twenty trials compared open mesh with open non-mesh repair. Open mesh methods, on average, took 7-10 minutes less to perform than Shouldice procedures, but took 1-4 minutes longer than other non-mesh methods. There were no clear differences between mesh and non-mesh groups for haematomas, seromas or wound/superficial infections. Overall, those in the mesh groups had a shorter length of hospital stay and quicker return to usual activities, but this pattern was not observed for all trials. Fewer hernia recurrences were reported after mesh repair (Peto OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.51).

References

  • Scott NW, McCormack K, Graham P et al. Open mesh versus non-mesh for repair of femoral and inguinal hernia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(4):CD002197. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords