A prospective comparative study of Desarda repair vs Lichtenstein Meshplasty in patients of uncomplicated inguinal hernia
Department of General Surgery, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur.
Research Article
International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine and Surgery Research, 2026, 08(01), 017-026.
Article DOI: 10.53294/ijfmsr.2026.8.1.0024
Publication history:
Received on 19 May 2026; revised on 25 June 2026; accepted on 27 June 2026
Abstract:
Background: Inguinal hernia repair is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Although Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernioplasty remains the standard technique, mesh-related complications, chronic groin pain, and increased treatment costs have prompted interest in tissue-based alternatives such as the Desarda repair. This study compared the clinical outcomes of Desarda repair and Lichtenstein meshplasty in patients with uncomplicated primary inguinal hernia.
Methods: A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, from October 2023 to August 2025. One hundred adult patients with primary reducible inguinal hernia were randomly allocated to undergo either Desarda repair (n=50) or Lichtenstein mesh repair (n=50). Baseline characteristics, operative duration, postoperative pain, hospital stay, analgesic requirement, return to normal activities, complications, chronic groin pain, recurrence, and treatment costs were assessed. Patients were followed for 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Demographic and the clinical characteristics of the participants were comparable between the groups. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the Desarda group (62±7 vs. 52±6 minutes; p<0.001). Pain scores on postoperative day-1 were higher in Desarda repair (5.2±1.3 vs. 3.3±1.1; p<0.001), but pain on day 7 was significantly lower (2.1±0.9 vs. 4.0±0.8; p<0.001). Analgesic requirement was lower and for shorter duration in the Desarda group (3±1 vs. 5±2 days; p<0.01). Return to daily activities was earlier (10±3 vs. 15±4 days; p<0.001). Chronic groin pain was significantly lesser following Desarda repair (4% vs. 16%; p=0.04). Recurrence and postoperative complications were similar between groups. Treatment costs were significantly lower with Desarda repair (₹8,500±700 vs. ₹13,500±900; p<0.001).
Conclusion: Desarda repair is a safe and effective non-mesh alternative to Lichtenstein hernioplasty. Despite a longer operative time, it offers reduced chronic pain, faster functional recovery, and lower treatment costs without increasing recurrence or postoperative complications.
Keywords:
Inguinal Hernia; Desarda Repair; Lichtenstein Mesh Repair; Chronic Groin Pain; Hernia Recurrence; Cost-Effectiveness.
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