| Methods |
Single centre, two arms RCT of Shouldice vs Lichtenstein.
Randomization: methods not reported.
Maximum follow up: 1 year.
Exclusions after randomizations: 22 (reasons not specified).
Analyses by protocol
Losses to follow up: 8 patients.
Jadad quality score: 2. |
| Participants |
Country: Sweden.
Setting: centre not specialized in hernia repair.
Total enrolled patients: 200; 178 hernias (89 Shouldice vs 89 Lichtenstein).
Mean age (SD): Shouldice 56 (16); Lichtenstein 58 (14).
Gender: 200 M.
Inclusion criteria: age> 18, inguinal primary hernia, only elective repair.
Exclusion criteria: incarcerated hernias and emergency operations.
Demographic and baseline data reported: comparable for activities (data not provided) and age. |
| Interventions |
Shouldice standard (n=89) performing 4 layers. Non‐absorbable monofilament.
Lichtenstein standard (n=89). Polypropylene Mesh. |
| Outcomes |
Recurrence (symptomatic lump in groin and re operated).
Lenght of postoperative stay.
Wound infection.
Duration of operation. |
| Notes |
Recurrence at 1 year follow up assessed by surgeon or patient himself in 170 patients (84 Shouldice; 86 Lichtenstein).
Conflict of interest: not reported.
Sources of funding: not reported. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
