Comparison of polydioxanone (PDS) and polypropylene (Prolene) for Shouldice repair of primary inguinal hernias: a prospective randomised trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the recurrence rates after Shouldice operation for primary inguinal hernias, using non-absorbable polypropylene or absorbable polydioxanone suture material.

DESIGN:

Randomised, controlled trial.

SETTING:

Teaching hospital, Germany.

SUBJECTS:

220 male patients who had 233 elective Shouldice repairs of primary inguinal hernias, 201 of whom were followed up.

INTERVENTION:

Standard Shouldice procedure with 2/0 polypropylene (Prolene, n = 98) or 2/0 polydioxanone (PDS, n = 103).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Recurrence rates after a minimum follow-up of 24 months (range 24-48, mean 31).

RESULTS:

Numbers of early complications were similar in the two groups; there were 2 wound infections in each. A total of 193 patients with 201 repairs had a documented follow-up (86%). There were 6 recurrences in the PDS group and 5 in the Prolene group, giving a total recurrence rate of 5%. This difference was not significant (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.0).

CONCLUSION:

Recurrence rates in both groups were higher than expected, but there was no difference between the two groups.

• Authors: R E Hilgert, A Dörner, O Wittkugel
• Journal: The European journal of surgery = Acta chirurgica (Eur J Surg) Vol. 165 Issue 4 Pg. 333-8 (Apr 1999) ISSN: 1102-4151 [Print] England
• PMID: 10365834 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Polypropylenes
• Polydioxanone

Topics

• Absorbable Implants
• Elective Surgical Procedures (methods)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hernia, Inguinal (epidemiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polydioxanone
• Polypropylenes
• Prospective Studies
• Recurrence
• Sutures
• Time Factors