Randomised controlled trial of n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue fixation versus suture fixation of mesh in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair

BACKGROUND: We present a randomised control trial to compare suture fixation of the mesh with non-mechanical fixation using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue for laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After a standard dissection for laparoscopic TEP hernioplasty, the mesh was fixed using sutures or NBCA glue to the Cooper's ligament as per the randomised allocation. The primary endpoints were recurrence at 24 months and chronic groin pain. The secondary endpoints were pain scores, analgesic requirement in the post-operative period and duration of surgery. RESULTS: Group A consisting of suture fixation had 127 patients which included a total of 173 hernias while Group B consisting of NBCA had 124 patients including a total of 171 hernias. The patients’ age, sex distribution, body mass indices and co-morbidities were comparable in both groups. No patient suffered any major intra-operative or post-operative complication or mortality. There were no conversions to open surgery in either of the groups. The operating time was similar in both the groups though there was a tendency toward a shorter surgery time in Group B. There was lesser consumption of analgesics in the immediate post-operative period in Group B but this did not reach statistical significance. Using visual analogue scale to measure pain, there was no difference in pain at 48 h; however, Group B patients complained of significantly less pain on day 7 as compared to Group A. Almost 98% of Group A patients and 99.2% of Group B patients completed 24 months of follow-up. There were no recurrences in either groups or was there any significant difference in chronic groin pain, in fact, none of the Group B patients complained of chronic groin pain. CONCLUSION: Using NBCA glue to fix the mesh in laparoscopic TEP hernia repair is effective and associated with less pain on day 7 as compared to suture fixation of the mesh.