Emile SH, et al. - This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to compare Desarda technique (DT) and Lichtenstein technique (LT) for primary inguinal hernia in adults aimed and to determine which technique had better clinical outcome regarding recurrence and complication rates. Data suggested that both DT and LT provided satisfactory treatment for primary inguinal hernia with low recurrence rates and acceptable rates of complications that were significantly less after DT. Researchers recommended performing more well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up for further validation of the DT.

Methods

• Researchers conducted a systematic literature search for RCTs comparing between DT and LT using electronic databases and Google scholar service.
• From the original studies, they obtained and analyzed patients’ characteristics, technical details, recurrence and complication rates, and time to resume daily activities.

Results

• Researchers included six RCTs comprising 2159 patients (89% males).
• They identified no significant difference in the incidence of recurrence between both techniques (OR = 0.946; P = 0.91).
• Significantly higher overall complication rate with LT was observed in comparison to DT (OR = 1.86; P < 0.001).
• LT seemed related to significantly higher rates of seroma formation and surgical site infection (OR = 2.17; P = 0.007) and (OR = 2.17; P = 0.029), respectively.
• Both groups were comparable regarding postoperative pain, operation time, and time to resume normal activities.