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Abstract Introduction The aim of the study was to compare patient outcomes after open anterior mesh repair versus a modified open anterior mesh repair for both inguinal and femoral hernias among women in low income settings. Method A double blinded Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted. In the intervention arm, we used a modified open anterior mesh technique where the posterior wall of the inguinal canal was incised, and a small flap of mesh positioned to cover the femoral canal. In the control arm we used the open anterior mesh technique according to Lichtenstein. The primary outcome was groin hernia recurrence one year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were post operative complications at 14 days, inguinal pain, and patient satisfaction one year post operatively. Result Between October 2019 and March 2020, 200 women were included in the study. Of these, 82(41%) participants had femoral hernias. Thirty-five participants crossed from the control arm to the intervention arm due to the presence of a femoral hernia. The follow up rate at two weeks and one year was 100%. In an intention to treat analysis, the recurrence rate was 4 (4%) participants in the control arm and 7 (7%) participants in the intervention arm. Postoperative wound complications occurred in 4 (4%) participants in the control arm and none in the intervention arm. Discussion Femoral hernias were a common finding aided by Intraoperative inspection of the femoral canal. The modified open anterior mesh repair for groin hernias is a safe and effective option in the study setting.
Matovu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.