Evaluating Early Postoperative Outcomes in Uncomplicated TAPP Inguinal Hernioplasty: Suture versus Absorbable Tacker Fixation
Keywords:
Absorbable tackers, Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, Postoperative pain, Suture fixation, TAPPAbstract
Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common elective general surgical procedures globally. No agreement exists on the optimal mesh fixation method for laparoscopic TAPP repair. Permanent mechanical devices may cause chronic pain, while suture fixation is less costly and avoids metallic implants, though supporting evidence remains limited. Objective: To compare early surgical outcomes—operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, complications, return to activity, and 3-month recurrence—between TAPP repair with suture fixation (group A) and absorbable tacker fixation (group B). Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 100 patients undergoing TAPP inguinal hernia repair at a teaching hospital (September 2022–December 2025). Fifty patients received suture fixation (Group A) and 50 received absorbable tacker fixation (Group B). All patients received a standard 10×15 cm polypropylene mesh with a 3-month follow-up period. Results: Groups were comparable in age, hernia type, and laterality. Operative time (64.0±20.0 vs. 58.0±30.0 min; p=0.291) and hospital stay (1.5±0.5 vs. 1.6±0.3 days; p=0.229) did not differ significantly. Return to full activity was faster in Group A (7.0±2.0 vs. 8.0±2.0 days; p=0.014). Scrotal/thigh pain occurred exclusively in Group B (20.0% vs. 0%; p=0.001). Wound infection was more frequent in Group A (14.0% vs. 0%; p=0.012). No recurrences or chronic pain were observed at 3 months. Conclusions: Suture and absorbable tacker fixation showed comparable operative time, hospital stay, and short-term recurrence. Suture fixation reduced acute neural irritation and shortened recovery but was associated with more wound infections.
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