Comparison of Outcome of Lichtenstein Versus Darn Repair in Management of Obstructed Inguinal Hernia

Abstract

Background: Obstructed inguinal hernia is a surgical emergency that needs urgent treatment to avoid severe complications. Lichtenstein (mesh-based) and Darn (tissue-based) repairs are the most common, and there is a lack of comparative data in obstructed cases.

Methodology: This is a comparative observational study carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Sixty patients with obstructed inguinal hernia were selected and separated into two groups: Lichtenstein repair (n=31) and Darn repair (n=29). Demographic data, clinical characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes were gathered. The patients were followed up to six months. The results evaluated were operative time, complications (serma, pain, wound infection), hospital stay, re-entry to normal activity, and recurrence. The SPSS was used to conduct the statistical analysis and p ≤ 0.05 was taken to be significant.

Results: There were similarities in baseline characteristics across groups. The Darn group had a much shorter operative time (56.1 ± 9.8 min) than the Lichtenstein group (63.4 ± 11.2 min; p=0.006). Nevertheless, patients who received Lichtenstein repair were able to resume normal activity sooner (12.8 ± 3.6 vs 15.2 ± 4.3 days; p=0.028). The Darn group had a more positive postoperative complication and recurrence rates (10.3% vs 3.2%), but these differences were not statistically significant. The rate of overall complication also was greater in Darn group (41.4% vs 29.0%)

Conclusion: The two methods are effective in the treatment of obstructed inguinal hernia. Nevertheless, Lichtenstein repair is more successful, with fewer complications, reduced recurrence, and quicker recovery and is preferable where possible.