ISSN:
1248-9204
Keywords:
Inguinal hernia
;
Plug
;
Mesh
;
Groin pain
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Background The 14 day results of this study reported elsewhere demonstrated that the Perfix® plug-and-patch was as effective as the Lichtenstein patch but not as cost-effective. The present analysis looks at the results at one year to measure quality of life between the two groups. Patients and Methods 141 patients were randomly allocated in a doubleblind manner to receive either a Lichtenstein patch (patch) or a Perfix® plug- and-patch (plug-and-patch) for primary inguinal hernia. Quality of life at 6 months and one year was assessed by the short-form 36 (SF36). On a 3 point scale patients were asked at one year to rate groin, wound and testicular discomfort. Results Physical function by SF36 was similar in the 2 groups at 6 months, but at one year in the patch group (95.11 +/-20.07) was significantly better (p 〈 0.05) than physical function in the plug-and-patch group (82.5 ± 20.98). At one year the number of patients with wound discomfort limiting work or social activities was significantly greater in patients receiving the plug-and-patch (n = 12) compared with patients receiving the patch (n = 4), p 〈 0.031. At one year, 4 of 70 patients receiving the plug-and-patch had required reoperation to remove the preformed plug-and-patch device and replace it with a flat Lichtenstein patch, because of wound pain which was limiting activity. Conclusion A significant proportion of patients suffer chronic pain after placement of a Perfix® plug-and-patch for primary inguinal hernia repair. Removal of the Perfix® device is required in approximately i in 20 patients (5.6% in this series).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01201078
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