Early results of comparison of hydrophilic anatomical mesh and polypropylene mesh for laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair

Objective: To compare the results, feasibility, and effectiveness of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair made using anatomical hydrophilic mesh and polypropylene mesh. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, Recepc Tayyip Erdoğan University Training and Research Hospital, Rize, Turkey and Department of General Surgery, Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty, Samsun, Turkey from January 2017 to October 2020. Methodology: Comparative analysis on patient who had TEP for inguinal hernia. Group 1 included repairs using hydrophilic anatomical mesh, Group 2 included repairs using polypropylene mesh. Both were compared for operation times, complications, and return to work. Results: There were 34 patients in Group 1 and 31 patients in Group 2. The average operation time was shorter in Group 1 (p =0.001). Postoperative complications, were significantly less common in Group 1 (p = 0.045). Patients were able to return to their work-life earlier in Group 1 after surgery (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Both anatomic mesh and polypropylene mesh can be used in TEP hernia repair. These two materials stand out with their different properties. Whereas anatomical mesh shortens the operation time, decreases the rate of postoperative complications, and enables the early return to work, polypropylene mesh is cost-effective and easily accessible. (author)