Evaluation of the quality of life after implantation of light or standard polypropylene hernia meshes

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The present pilot study evaluates the quality of life of Bulgarian patients after a conventional hernia operation in which light or standard polypropylene hernia meshes were used. Materials and methods: Sixty-eight patients planned for recovery of primary or recurrent open hernia with implanted standard or lightweight polypropylene meshes were included in the study. Patients’ data were collected prospectively for a 5-month period (October 2017 - February 2018) on the basis of the case histories. The patients were interviewed using the EQ5D questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Follow-up of each patient’s results was performed up to a year after surgery. Results: Three months after the operation, the patients reported only the presence of pain. On average, 24.5% of patients experienced mild pain and 20.3% - severe pain. In the standard mesh group, on average, the mild pain was 7.69%, swelling 3.84%, and foreign body sensation - 15.38% one year after the surgery. In the light mesh group the reported mild pain was 6.69%, pulling without pain - 13.33%, and foreign body sensation - 6.69%. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain level according to the used mesh, but in the group with implanted standard meshes, the reported problems prevailed. At the end of the survey period, the average score was 84.39±13.67. Conclusions: Hernia operation reduces pain 1 year after the procedure. The intensity of chronic pain one year after the surgery is relatively similar for both light and standard meshes in conventional inguinal hernia repair. The differences in the overall quality of life are insignificant in the long run. An individualized choice, based on the patients’ characteristics and safety of meshes, should be done by the healthcare specialists.