OBJECTIVE

We analysed the inguinal hernias treatment results using synthetic implants, the effect of sutureless techniques on the frequency and nature of complications in the long-term period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial that included 134 patients with inguinal hernias. The patients were divided into four groups depending on the type of surgery performed (Lichtenstein technique (LHR) or laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP)) and the implant used. Patients were followed up 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The data about the frequency and nature of long-term postoperative complications and the clinical data were collected at every visit.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative complications was 5.97%. Regardless of the type of operation, complications were not associated with the type of suture technologies. At the same time, a comparative assessment of the clinical picture showed a significant decrease in the incidence of pain «in the implantation zone» and associated limitations of physical activity when using self-fixing meshes and implants with a three-dimensional spatial structure. Suture and stapler fixation of the implant during LHR and TAPP did not affect the indices of persistent paresthesia, which, due to the high trauma of the surgical approach, had 2.83—9.67 times higher indices in groups of patients after performing «open» types of operations.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of sutureless technologies for LHR and TAPP does not affect the incidence of complications in the long term and is accompanied by a lower incidence of pain and physical activity restrictions.