Our Summary

The researchers in this study compared the outcomes of two methods of repairing groin hernias using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery: one with mesh fixation using a stapler or tacker, and one without mesh fixation. They looked at 13 different studies involving a total of 1731 patients.

They found that using mesh fixation in hernia repair surgery often resulted in more post-surgery pain and took a longer time to complete. However, other factors, like how long patients stayed in the hospital, how quickly they returned to normal activities, the overall complications, formation of seroma (a pocket of clear serous fluid), and recurrence rate were similar in both groups.

In simpler terms, if you’re having laparoscopic surgery to repair a groin hernia, choosing not to use mesh fixation might mean less pain after surgery and a shorter operation time. But other factors like recovery time, complications, and chance of the hernia coming back are likely to be the same whether you use mesh fixation or not. The authors suggest that further studies should look into the cost-effectiveness of each method.

FAQs

  1. Does using mesh fixation in laparoscopic hernia repair surgery result in more post-surgery pain?
  2. Is there a difference in recovery time and recurrence rate between hernia repair surgeries using mesh fixation and those not using it?
  3. What do the authors suggest for future research regarding hernia repair surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hernia repair is to discuss the option of using mesh fixation during laparoscopic surgery. While using mesh fixation may result in more post-surgery pain and a longer operation time, it may not necessarily affect other important factors like recovery time, complications, and hernia recurrence. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method and make an informed decision with your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hernia repair surgery are those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a bulge in the affected area. The decision to undergo surgery is often based on the size and location of the hernia, the severity of symptoms, and the overall health of the patient. In some cases, hernias may be asymptomatic and can be monitored without surgery. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for each individual case.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a hernia such as a bulge in the groin or abdomen, pain or discomfort, and difficulty lifting or bending.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who diagnoses the hernia and recommends surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are fit for surgery.

After hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic hernia repair surgery, either with or without mesh fixation.
  2. Patient may experience post-surgery pain, with potentially more pain if mesh fixation was used.
  3. Patient stays in the hospital for a certain period of time for monitoring and recovery.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience complications such as seroma formation.
  5. Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions to aid in the healing process.
  6. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and assess for any hernia recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hernia repair surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after hernia repair surgery?
  3. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  4. What is the likelihood of the hernia recurring after surgery?
  5. What are the differences between using mesh fixation and not using mesh fixation in hernia repair surgery?
  6. What are the potential benefits of each method?
  7. How will the choice of using mesh fixation or not affect my post-operative pain levels?
  8. How long does each method typically take to perform?
  9. Are there any specific factors that would make one method more suitable for me over the other?
  10. Will my insurance cover the cost of hernia repair surgery and which method do they typically prefer to cover?

Reference

Authors: Eltair M, Hajibandeh S, Hajibandeh S, Balakrishnan S, Alyamani A, Radoi D, Goh YL, Hanif M, Kumar Y, Mobarak D. Journal: Int J Surg. 2019 Nov;71:190-199. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.10.004. Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31606426