Faisal G Bhopal, I Zafarullah, Jehangir S Khan, Iqbal M.
Shouldice vs Lichtenstein Hernia Repair: Comparison of post operative complications.
Pak J Surg Jan ;18(2):21-6.

Inguinal hernia is the commonest problem amongst all external hernias all over the world and much more is written on hernia repair than on any other surgical subject. The study of 100 patients was carried out. All the patients were males with age, ranging from 18 years to 70 years. Patients were divided into two groups. The purpose of study was to compare Modified Shouldice vs Lichtenstein hernia repair for Post Operative complications like pain, testicular & scrotal swelling, wound infection, urinary retention and recurrence. 53% patients presented with right inguinal hernia and 44% with a left, while 3% patients had bilateral hernia. Forty one percent patients were smokers, 38% ex-smokers and 21% were non smokers. Clinically 63% patients were diagnosed as having indirect hernia while 37% were diagnosed as direct hernia. The overall incidence of postoperative complication was 15.4%. Scrotal haematoma occurred in 16% patients in case of modified Shouldice and 12% in Linchtenstein repair. The wound infection occurred in 8% of patients in modified Shouldice and 4% of Lichtenstein group. Twenty four percent of modified Shouldice and 14% of Lichtenstein group had post operative pain, which requiring oral NSAIDS for 4-7 days. Four percent patients of modified Shouldice group and none of the Lichtenstein group developed urinary retention post operatively. In five year follow up after operation, 4% of modified Shouldice and 2% patient of Lichtenstein group reported with recurrence. Six percent of modified shouldice and 2% patient of Lichtenstein group complained of residual pain. The incidence of complications and recurrence is lower in Lichtenstein repair as compared to modified Shouldice, therefore, we recommend Lichtenstein hernial repair for recurrent hernia as well as for primary repair.

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