The efficacy of absorbable versus non-absorbable fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (tep) repair of large inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to compare clinical outcomes of laparoscopic Totally Extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair with mesh fixation in large inguinal hernias using titanium versus absorbable tacks.

METHODS: This is a case control study of patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP repair with mesh fixation of large inguinal hernias in our institution from 2010 to 2015. In all patients a standard 10 × 15 cm large-pore polypropylene mesh was used and a standardized fixation technique was followed. Patient demographics, presentation, defect size as per the European Hernia Society Groin Hernia Classification, post-operative complications and recurrence rates were collected and analysed.

RESULTS: 20 patients had mesh fixation with titanium tackers (Group TT) were compared with 37 patients who had mesh fixation with absorbable tacks (Group AT). Mean age was 57.00 (±13.78) in Group TT and 49.00 (±17.15) in Group AT. All patients were males. The median defect size was L3M2 in Group TT and L2M2 in Group AT. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 24 months (range: 1-48 months). Post-operatively, one patient in Group AT developed chronic pain. One Group TT patient and four Group AT patients developed seromas, which were treated conservatively. There were no recurrences in Group TT, while one Group AT patient developed a medial recurrence.

CONCLUSION: Both titanium and absorbable tacks showed similar post-operative complications and pain scores. As such, they both appear safe and feasible for mesh fixation during laparoscopic repair of large inguinal hernias.