SP1.1 - The effect of mesh fixation on post-operative pain and recurrence in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Abstract Aims To evaluate post-operative pain and inguinal hernia recurrence following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) or transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) techniques. Secondly, in TAPP approach to compare outcomes with method of mesh fixation. Methods 545 patients underwent elective laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a single centre, between October 2015 and April 2023. Surgical approach and method of mesh fixation was obtained from operation note. Patients were contacted retrospectively via telephone call. Post-operative pain was assessed using a scale (1-10). Chronic pain defined as pain persisting beyond 3 months. Hernia recurrence defined as new groin lump at site of previous repair. Results 545 patients underwent surgery. 212 did not answer follow-up call, 43 declined to take part in study and 22 had died. 268 analysed; 167 underwent TEP and 101 TAPP inguinal hernia repair. Groups were similar in age and gender. Initial post-operative pain score in TEP group was 4.7 (range 1-10) as compared with 4.5 (range 1-10) in TAPP group.13.8% experienced chronic pain, score of 2.9 (range 2-5) in TEP group compared with 16.8%, score of 2.7 (range 2-5) in TAPP group. Hernia recurrences were similar between groups; 4.8% and 4% respectfully. Neither mesh-fixation or non-fixation techniques were found to affect post-operative chronic pain (p=0.8). Patients undergoing tacker fixation reported less hernia recurrence, 1.7% and 5.1% respectfully. No significant difference noted between absorbable and metallic tackers in terms of chronic post-operative pain and recurrence. Conclusion Mesh placement without fixation produced similar post-operative pain but a higher hernia recurrence than mesh-fixation techniques.