The Significance of the Mesh Thickness in the Operation of Inguinal Hernia

The implantation of mesh in the operation of inguinal hernia has resulted in a continuously diminishing frequency of reoperations. Randomized controlled trials indicate that hernia repair with an open mesh technique has a shorter learning curve, is cheaper and may give less recurrences than laparoscopic hernia repair in general surgical practice. Furthermore, local anesthesia has significant advantages for both the patient and the health related economy compared to general anesthesia and regional anesthesia. The experience of the last decade within the field of groin hernia surgery has focused interest on quality of life and postoperative pain (especially chronic pain). Chronic pain is defined as pain that remains 3 months after the operation. Recent studies indicate that one third of all patients operated on for inguinal hernia have some degree of chronic pain and that 4-6 % of patients have pain interfering with daily activities one year after surgery.

In the present study a heavy-weight polypropylene mesh will be compared with a light-weight partly absorbable mesh. In an expertise-based randomized control trial patients will be randomly allocated to two groups of surgeons, each group well trained to use one of the two meshes.

Inclusion criteria

• Male, age 25 years or older
• Reducible, unilateral, inguinal hernia (not femoral hernia) that has not been operated on before

Exclusion criteria

• The patient is not able or do not want to give written informed consent
• The patient is not suitable for an operation in local anesthesia
• Anticoagulant medication or a known coagulation disorder