Home /Archives /Vol. 38 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
COMPARISON OF STAINLESS STEEL STAPLES AND POLYPROPYLENE SUTURES FOR MESH ANCHORING IN LICHTENSTEIN TENSION FREE INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
Dr Yasir Qayyum
Abstract
Background:Lichtenstein tension-free inguinal hernia repair is one of the most widely performed techniques for the management of inguinal hernia. Secure fixation of the polypropylene mesh is essential to maintain its position and reduce postoperative complications. Different methods of mesh anchoring, including stainless steel staples and polypropylene sutures, may influence operative time, postoperative pain, wound complications, and recurrence.
Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of stainless steel staples and polypropylene sutures for mesh fixation in patients undergoing Lichtenstein tension-free inguinal hernia repair.
Methods: This comparative study included adult patients undergoing elective Lichtenstein tension-free inguinal hernia repair. Participants were divided into two groups according to the method used for mesh fixation: Group A, in which stainless steel staples were used, and Group B, in which polypropylene sutures were used. Operative duration, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, duration of hospital stay, wound-related complications, chronic groin discomfort, and hernia recurrence were assessed during follow-up. Outcomes were compared between the two groups using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Patients receiving stainless steel staple fixation demonstrated a shorter mesh-fixation and overall operative time compared with those undergoing polypropylene suture fixation. Early postoperative pain and analgesic requirements were generally lower in the staple group. However, wound-related complications, seroma formation, surgical-site infection, and duration of hospital stay showed no significant differences between the groups. During follow-up, chronic groin discomfort and recurrence rates remained low in both groups, with no clinically meaningful difference between the fixation techniques.Conclusion: Stainless steel staples provide a rapid and effective alternative to polypropylene sutures for mesh anchoring during Lichtenstein tension-free inguinal hernia repair. Staple fixation may reduce operative time and early postoperative discomfort without adversely affecting short-term surgical outcomes. Both techniques appear to provide satisfactory mesh stability and comparable recurrence rates.
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Published
08-09-2026
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