FREQUENCY OF COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING LICHTENSTEIN REPAIR OF INGUINAL HERNIA

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia is the most frequent variety of hernia. Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia is considered the gold standard treatment, however many surgeons in our locality are reluctant to perform this procedure due to fear of complications. This study is aimed at determining the frequency of complications following Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia in our hospital.
Material & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Department of Surgery at MM Teaching Hospital, D.I. Khan, from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013. All the patients were followed up for 1 year. All the patients aged 18 to 70 years with inguinal hernia, either primary or recurrent were included in this study. Patients with obstructed or strangulated inguinal hernia, patients with cirrhosis/ ascites and patients too feeble to with stand surgery were excluded from the study. Postoperative complications and recurrence rates were noted.
Results: A total of 50 patients were studied. One patient (2%) developed superficial wound infection while two (4%) patients were affected by scrotal hematoma. All the complications were treated conservatively. No case of recurrence was noted during one year follow-up.
Conclusion: Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia is a simple and safe procedure and should be preferred over non-mesh repairs in patients with inguinal hernia.