One-year outcome after open inguinal hernia repair with self-fixated mesh: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze pain after surgery with the use of self-fixated meshes, which are commonly used as an alternative for sutured mesh in open inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted from November 2018 to March 2021, with a follow-up duration of 12 months. Male patients, aged 18–85, and suitable for day case surgery, were included. The patients received the self-adhesive Adhesix™ mesh or the self-gripping Progrip™ mesh in open inguinal hernia surgery. The primary outcome was the number of additional follow-up visits due to post-operative pain. Secondary outcomes included intensity of pain, quality of life measures, and complications. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy patients were included in this trial, 132 with Adhesix™ (A group), and 138 with Progrip™ (P-group). All patients’ medical records were reviewed 12 months after surgery, and 207 patients (76.2%) completed 12-month follow-up. The number of patients needing additional follow-up visits 3–12 months after surgery were comparable (A group 3/3.0%, P-group 6/5.6%). The numeric rating scale was low at 12 months after surgery (at rest A 0.21, P 0.34, at exercise A 0.78, P 0.90). The incidence of chronic pain, that is moderate or severe pain during exercise, was 5 patients (5.2%) with Adhesix™ and 8 patients (7.4%) with Progrip™ (P = 0.333). Two hernia recurrences (1.0%) were established, one in each group. CONCLUSION: At 1 year after hernia surgery, the use of self-gripping and self-adhesive meshes lead to successful pain reduction and quality of life improvement. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.com NCT03734224.