Comparative study between use of lightweight mesh versus heavyweight mesh in laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia

Introduction
Inguinal hernia repair with prosthetic mesh has become a standard practice; however, synthetic mesh can cause significant pain and interfere with patient activity. Lighter weight meshes (LWM) have been engineered that may be associated with fewer rates of complications and recurrence. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has also significantly reduced postoperative recovery from inguinal hernia repair.
Aim
This study aimed to compare outcomes of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia using LWM versus using heavyweight mesh (HWM).
Materials and methods
A prospective study was performed on 20 patients (10 in LWM group and 10 in HWM group) with unilateral primary inguinal hernia above 18 years old who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair from July 2018 to October 2018. Postoperative complications such as pain, seroma, mesh infection, and recurrence were evaluated.
Results
LWM is superior to HWM regarding postoperative pain on the first postoperative day and after 1 week and earlier time to return to routine daily activities, but with longer operative time. However, there is no statistically significant difference between LWM group and heavy and HWM group regarding postoperative long-term complications including chronic groin pain, seroma formation, mesh infection, and recurrence after 6 months of follow-up.
Conclusion
LWM is superior to HWM in terms of postoperative pain and early return to routine activity but with longer operative time. Both meshes are similar in results regarding chronic pain, postoperative complications, and recurrence.