| Methods |
Participants were randomised to undergo open tension‐free plug and patch (PP) and totally extraperitoneal patch (TEP) hernioplasty from 2005 to 2009. Pain assessment was conducted by using the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire preoperatively, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. All participants obtained same analgesics and documented pain in a NRS based 4‐week‐diary. |
| Participants |
Of the 162 male participants with unilateral inguinal hernia; 79 underwent TEP and 83 PP |
| Interventions |
Open tension‐free plug and patch and TEP hernioplasty |
| Outcomes |
Mean follow‐up was 2.9 ± 1.2 years. One recurrent hernia was observed in the TEP group. Mean preoperative NRS score was 2 and 2, 0.3 and 0.4 at 6 months, 0.1 and 0.3 at 12 months, 0.2 and 0.1 at 24 months postoperatively in the PP and TEP groups respectively (P > 0.05). Data from the 4‐week pain diaries revealed no significant difference in pain intensity in the first two weeks postoperatively (VAS 2‐4, P > 0.05). Participants in the PP group required more additional analgesics on day four and five postoperatively (P˜0.037 and 0.005, respectively). The data demonstrate no significant differences concerning postoperative pain between tension‐free PP and TEP hernia repair. |
| Notes |
Abstract only |
