Different types of mesh fixation for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis with randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become a valid option for repair of an inguinal hernia. Due to there are several types of mesh fixation for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia. The study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of different types of mesh fixation for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia using network meta-analysis.

METHODS: We will systematically search PubMed, EMBASE the Cochrane library, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from their inception to March 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of different types of mesh fixation for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair will be included. The primary outcomes are chronic groin pain, incidence risk of hernia recurrence, and complications. Risk of bias assessment of the included RCTs will be conducted using to Cochrane risk of bias tool. A network meta-analysis will be performed using WinBUGS 1.4.3 software and the result figures will be generated using R x64 3.1.2 software and STATA V.12.0 software. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS: The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION: Our study will generate evidence of laparoscopic repair of mesh fixation for adult patients with inguinal hernia and provide suggestions for clinical practice or guideline.