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NCT Number: NCT07261189

Comparing Staples Versus Polypropylene Sutures for Mesh Fixation in Inguinal Hernia Repair in Terms of Postoperative Pain

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare postoperative pain between staples and polypropylene sutures used for mesh fixation in patients undergoing elective Lichtenstein tension-free inguinal hernia repair.

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Key information

Conditions

Inguinal Hernia Hernia Hernia, Abdominal Hernia, Inguinal Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre

Karachi, Sindh, 75510, Pakistan

About this study

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common general surgical procedures worldwide. The standard method for mesh fixation during Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty uses polypropylene sutures. However, skin staples have recently been introduced as a faster and potentially less painful alternative. This randomized controlled trial compares both methods in terms of postoperative pain, measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and operative time.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male patients aged 20 to 60 years.
  • Patients undergoing elective Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair for unilateral, uncomplicated inguinal hernia (direct or indirect).
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 and 30 kg/m².
  • ASA physical status I, II, or III.
  • Patients willing to participate and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Diabetic patients (on medical records).
  • Bilateral or recurrent inguinal hernia.
  • Complicated hernia (irreducible, obstructed, or strangulated).
  • Patients unwilling to participate or who fail to complete follow-up.

Treatment and study plan

Staples for mesh fixation

Procedure

Mesh secured using stainless steel staples in Lichenstein tension-free inguinal hernioplasty

Polypropylene suture for mesh fixation

Procedure

Mesh secured using polypropylene sutures in Lichenstein tension-free inguinal hernioplasty

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative pain (VAS score)

    Time frame: Postoperative day 1, day 7 and day 30

    Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0-10)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Operative time (minutes)

    Time frame: During Surgery (intraoperative period)

    Time in minutes from initiation of mesh fixation to completion of skin closure

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre

Other Gov

Collaborators

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Study of Staples Versus Polypropylene Sutures for Mesh Fixation in Lichenstein's Tension-free Inguinal Hernia Repair in Terms of Postoperative Pain

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 3, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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