Background:

The use of self-gripping mesh has reduced surgical time in inguinal plasty without increasing complications compared to repairs with sutured mesh. However, there is controversy as to whether this reduction and non-use of sutures for fixation impact on the presence and severity of postoperative pain.

Objective:

Determine whether the use of self-gripping mesh (SGM) reduces the presence and intensity of postoperative pain as opposed to sutured mesh (SM).

Material and methods:

Single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial in parallel groups: SGM versus SM with the Lichtenstein technique. The application and surgical time was evaluated, as it was: the pain at 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and one year by visual analog scale. Major complications were analyzed.

Results:

There was less intense pain at 24 h and 72 h (p = 0.012 and p = 0.018). The SGM required less application time (72.4 ± 10 s versus 375.5 ± 38 s, p < 0.0001) and surgical time (24.6 ± 2.5 m versus 40.2 ± 4.9 m, p < 0.0001). The main complications were seroma, testicular edema, and one relapse.

Conclusion:

The self-gripping mesh could reduce mediate postoperative pain as a consequence of less trauma to tissues due to the non-use of sutures.