Comparison of mesh-plug and Lichtenstein for inguinal hernia repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: Mesh-plug and Lichtenstein techniques are among the most common used inguinal hernia repair procedures. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the recurrence and other postoperative complications between mesh-plug technique and Lichtenstein operation in inguinal hernia repair.

Methods: The electronic databases Embase, Pubmed, Springer and Cochrane Library were used to search for randomized controlled trials about mesh-plug and Lichtenstein repair techniques till Oct 2011. Two independent reviewers assessed the trials for eligibility and quality. And all related data matching our standards were abstracted for meta-analysis by RevMan 5.0.1. The evaluation criteria included recurrence, pain, hematoma, seroma, infection, paresthesia, testicular problem, urinary retention, operating time and recovery to daily activity.

Results: A total of 2,912 patients enrolled into 8 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. All these RCTs compared mesh-plug and Lichtenstein procedures, and our pooled data showed similar results according to all the compared postoperative complications and return to daily activity.

Conclusions: Mesh-plug versus Lichtenstein procedures for inguinal hernia repair was comparable in most of the analyzed outcomes.