Modified Lichtenstein hernioplasty with concomitant tissue repair: a retrospective study on postoperative chronic pain

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a modified Lichtenstein Repair combined with Herniorrhaphy in reducing postoperative chronic pain and enhancing recovery and quality of life in inguinal hernia patients. METHODS: This retrospective study, conducted at the Taleghani training center between January 2021 and February 2023, retrospectively examined 289 hernia surgeries, of which 130 employed a modified Lichtenstein technique. The investigation encompassed a detailed analysis of patient demographics, employed surgical techniques, operative methods with a focus on minimal dissection, and an evaluation of postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: In this study of 289 participants, primarily males aged 60-80 years, the modified technique group demonstrated a notably lower incidence of hernia recurrence (1.5%) compared to the Lichtenstein group (3.1%). Additionally, the modified technique was more effective in reducing postoperative pain, with a significantly lower mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of 0.15, compared to 0.31 in the Lichtenstein group. This suggests enhanced patient comfort and a potentially quicker recovery in the modified technique group. CONCLUSION: The modified Lichtenstein hernioplasty technique, characterized by minimal tissue trauma and precise mesh placement, emerges as an effective approach in inguinal hernia repair. It offers significant benefits in reducing postoperative discomfort and chronic pain, thereby enhancing patient recovery and overall quality of life. This method aligns with current surgical trends towards patient-centric and minimally invasive procedures.