PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING LICHTENSTEIN WITH MODIFIED BASSINI REPAIR OF INGUINAL-HERNIA

We present a prospective randomized study of 80 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent either a modified Bassini repair (n = 38) or a L ichtenstein mesh repair (n = 42). Treatment groups were matched for ag e, side of hernia, type of hernia and ASA grade. There was no differen ce in the time taken to perform the two operations: the mean time take n to perform Lichtenstein repair was 26.8 min (range 12 to 49), Bassin i repair taking a mean of 27.5 min (range 9 to 51), P = 0.76. There wa s, however, a difference between the operatings times with respect to the type of hernia present, direct hernias being the fastest to repair . Pain scores were assessed by a visual analogue scale, and there was significantly less pain in the Lichtenstein group, P = 0.028. Despite this, there was no difference between the analgesic requirements of th e two groups, P = 0.073. In order to assess rehabilitation, lengths of time not working and not driving were assessed. There was no differen ce in either measurement, P = 0.335 and 0.467 respectively. Patients w ere followed up a mean of 7 weeks post-operatively (range 1 to 13 week s). Th was no significant difference between the two procedures with r egard to post operative urinary complications, wound infection or othe r complications. All measurements except the time taken to perform the operation were independent of the surgeon involved. The accuracy of t he clinical diagnosis was also assessed, and found to be moderate, wit h 63% of diagnoses being correct.