Effectiveness of Inguinal Hernioplasty by Lichtenstein Technique in a Periphery Hospital

Aim: Study was carried out to see the effectiveness of the inguinal hernioplasty by Lichtenstein technique in our hospital which is located in the periphery. Methods: This prospective study was conducted from Aug 2017 to Oct 2021. All male patients older than 18 years with primary inguinal hernia were included in the study by convenient sampling technique. Patients with strangulated, obstructed and recurrent inguinal hernia and patients with obstructive urinary symptoms were excluded from the study. Written consent was taken. Patients were operated under suitable anesthesia (General/Spinal). Standard open inguinal mesh hernioplasty was done by Lichtenstein technique. In order to detect long term outcome of the procedure, a planned scheduled follow-up of the operated cases were done in the OPD. Demographic data along with short & late term complications were recorded and analyzed with Excel 2013. Results: A total of 295 inguinal mesh hernioplasty were done. Right sided hernia was seen in 60.34%, left side hernia was seen 34.58% and bilateral hernia was seen in 5.08% of the patients. Indirect hernia was observed in 65.08%, direct hernia was seen in 32.88% and pantaloon hernia was seen in 2.03%. Hepatitis C virus infection was found in 9.83% of the patients and hepatitis B virus was found in 2.71%. Scrotal swelling was observed in 1.36% of the patients which was treated conservatively, seroma was observed in 1.02% of the patients which was absorbed spontaneously and no intervention was done. Hematoma was seen in one patient having hepatitis C virus infection. During follow-up of one year chronic groin pain was seen in 2.37% patients which resolved conservatively. In long term follow-up no infection, chronic groin pain and recurrence was reported. Conclusion: Effectiveness of open inguinal mesh hernioplasty by Lichtenstein technique is far superior to other techniques. Lichtenstein technique is safe, easy to learn and it does not require any special equipments. We strongly recommend this technique in periphery hospital where laparoscopic facilities are still not available. Keywords: Lichtenstein repair, Shouldice technique, Inguinal mesh hernioplasty.