OBJECTIVE

To describe the new approaches for prevention of complications after hernia repair.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have proposed the method of combined hernia repair including 2 new techniques to prevent complications after Lichtenstein surgery. The results of 100 surgeries over 5 years (2017—2021) for oblique inguinal hernias were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups by 50 patients depending on surgical technique. We assessed the incidence and severity of postoperative complications, as well as duration of inpatient treatment.

RESULTS

According to visual-analogue scale of pain syndrome, local pain intensity in the main group was 1.3 times less than in the control group in 1 hour after surgery, after 1 day — almost 2 times less, after 5 days — 1.7 times less. After 3 months, 1 (2%) patient in the control group had persistent local pain. In the main group, no patient had chronic pain (p<0.05). In the control group, ultrasound of postoperative wound area revealed serous fluid in the mesh area in 36 (60%) patients by the 6^th day after surgery. In the main group, there were no ultrasound signs of seroma in any case. Incidence of complications was significantly lower in the main group (p<0.05). Mean length of hospital-stay was significantly less in the main group (6.2±1.1 and 7.1±1.2 days, respectively), p<0.05.

CONCLUSION

The proposed new modification of Lichtenstein procedure is an effective method for prevention of the most common postoperative complications.