• M Á García Ureña, M Hidalgo, X Feliu, M Á Velasco, S Revuelta, R Gutiérrez, A Utrera, J L Porrero, M Marín, and C Zaragoza.
• Department of Surgery, Henares Hospital, Avenida de Marie Curie s/n, 28822 Coslada, Spain. magurena@gmail.com
• Hernia. 2011 Oct 1; 15 (5): 511-5.

IntroductionInvestigation in the field of inguinal hernia surgery is now focused on postoperative pain. The extended use of lightweight meshes and alternative methods of fixation may play a relevant role in the reduction of pain. In this study, a new self-gripping lightweight polypropylene mesh is tested.MethodsA multicentric, observational study was scheduled to prospectively evaluate this new mesh. Ten centers agreed to participate. Only primary, type 1 or 2 uncomplicated hernias in adults were included. The mesh was placed as a Lichtenstein procedure without any fixation. A complete pain questionnaire was followed at 1 week, and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The principal goal of the study was to evaluate maximum pain score at 6 months. Pain was assessed by a visual analog scale. A total of 256 patients were operated. Mean operative time was 35.6 min; 76.2% of patients were operated in an ambulatory setting.ResultsThere were a few postoperative complications: 2 wound infections, 17 seromas, 21 hematomas, 6 orchitis. The incidence of acute pain was 27.3% at week 1 and 7.5% at month 1. The incidence of chronic pain was 3.6% at month 3 and 2.8% at month 6. No recurrences or long-term complications were observed.ConclusionThis self-gripping mesh can be used safely in type 1 and 2 primary, uncomplicated inguinal hernia with minimal morbidity and most patients under ambulatory setting. The registered incidence of chronic pain is lower than 3%.

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