Prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing self-gripping and conventional mesh in laparoscopic totally extra peritoneal inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of self-gripping mesh (SGM) in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Ninety-five patients were randomly divided into two groups based on the type of mesh used: tacker-fixed conventional mesh (n = 48) and SGM (n = 47). The Carolina Comfort Scale (CCS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), postoperative complications, physical findings, and other clinical parameters were analyzed 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The two groups showed no significant differences in preoperative or postoperative discomfort at 1 week and 3 months. The reduction in discomfort was also similar between the two groups at both timepoints. The operating time, preoperative IPSS, and postoperative IPSS did not differ significantly at 1 week; however, the incidence of postoperative physical findings showed a significant difference at 1 week, with 12 cases in the conventional mesh group and 23 cases in the SGM group. The number of positive physical findings (abdominal wall induration and tenderness) at 1 week was significantly higher with SGM, but had converged by 3 months. Postoperative complications at 1 week occurred in six and two patients, respectively. No recurrence was observed in either group at 3 months. CONCLUSION: The SGM group had a higher incidence of postoperative physical findings at 1 week; however, by 3 months, these findings had mostly resolved, resulting in no significant long-term differences between the two groups.