A Comparative Study of Mesh Fixation and Non-Fixation in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

Objective: To compare mesh fixation and non-fixation in open inguinal hernia repair concerning operative time, hospital stay, and post-operative complications. Results: The mean patient age was 39.86±8.52 years, with a male predominance (95 males, 5 females). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the non-fixation group (68.36±4.77 min) compared to the fixation group (91.04±6.29 min, p=0.00). Similarly, the mean hospital stay was shorter in the non-fixation group (1.10±0.30 days) compared to the fixation group (2.12±0.33 days, p=0.000). Post-operative pain was also significantly lower in the non-fixation group (2.46±0.65) compared to the fixation group (4.92±0.60, p=0.000). No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Non-fixation of mesh in inguinal hernia repair offers advantages such as reduced operative time, shorter hospital stay, and lower post-operative pain without increasing the risk of recurrence.