Value of drain in reduction of seroma and wound infection in Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia

Abstract

Background: In Egypt, open Lichtenstein mesh repair is the standard management option for symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia. The use of drains is routinely done by many surgeons after such procedures with no proven evidence of their benefits and complications. That motivated us to conduct the present study to evaluate the value of drain insertion in such patients. Patients and Methods: The data of 60 consecutive patients (30 patients in the drain group and another 30 patients in the drainless group) diagnosed with unliteral inguinal hernia and underwent open Lichtenstein hernioplasty were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome was the incidence of postoperative adverse events, mainly seroma, hematoma, and wound infection. Results: Our analysis revealed no notable differences between the drain and drainless groups regarding patient and hernia characteristics. The operative time and hospitalization period were also statistically comparable. The incidence of postoperative complications did not show noteworthy differences between the two approaches. The incidence of wound infection was similar in both groups (3.3%). Seroma occurred in only one (3.3%) patient in the drainless group. Hematoma occurred in 3.3% of drain cases and 6.7% of drainless cases. Moreover, wound edema was encountered in 6.7 and 13.3% of cases in the same groups, respectively. No patients developed recurrence during the 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion: The use of drains is not associated with significant protective effects against posthernioplasty complications. Its use should be individualized to decrease the impact of drain-associated complications.