Randomized clinical trial of fixation vs nonfixation of mesh in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty.

HYPOTHESIS Mesh fixation in the extraperitoneal space during endoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty might be related to an increase in postoperative pain, morbidity rate, and hospital costs. DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. SETTING University teaching hospital. PATIENTS From January 1999 to December 2001, 170 patients with inguinal hernia were invited to participate; 85 patients were randomized to each group. INTERVENTION Total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty with or without mesh fixation using staples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Operating time, morbidity rate, chronic pain, recurrences, and hospital cost were analyzed. Follow-up was considered complete when it included a physical examination at 24 months (mean, 36 +/- 12 months). RESULTS The statistical study showed no significant differences with regard to epidemiological factors, hernia type, operating time, morbidity, or recurrences when the mesh was stapled, although the total cost of the process was higher (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Stapling the mesh in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty offers no advantages and increases the cost of the process. Our results suggest the possibility of limiting the use of mesh fixation in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty to cases of direct bilateral hernias.