Bilateral Inguinal Hernia: Darn Vs. Lichtenstein, Darn Vs. Lichtenstein Hernia Outcomes, Outcomes of Darn and Lichtenstein Hernia Repairs
Conditions
Keywords
Retrospective cohort study, Low-resource setting, Medical records analysis, Bilateral inguinal hernia, Lichtenstein repair method, Darn repair method
Brief summary
This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy of Darn versus Lichtenstein repair methods in treating bilateral inguinal hernias in adult males within a low-resource setting in Sudan. The study aims to determine which surgical technique results in better postoperative outcomes, focusing on complication rates, recurrence, and recovery times. Data for this analysis will be sourced from medical records of patients who underwent these procedures between January 2021 and October 2023 at Al-Waleedeen Specialized Hospital.
Detailed description
Study Design and Setting This is a retrospective comparative cohort study undertaken at Al-Waleedeen Specialized Hospital, a governmental tertiary care center in Gezira State, Sudan. The study period spans from January 2021 to October 2023, involving adult males diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias. Study Procedures Medical records will be systematically reviewed to extract data on surgical technique employed-either Darn or Lichtenstein method. The review will document specific procedural details such as the type of anesthesia used, duration of the surgeries, surgical team composition, and intraoperative management techniques. Information on immediate postoperative care will also be collected, focusing on pain management strategies and mobilization protocols. Data Collection The data collection will emphasize capturing precise measures related to surgical outcomes. This includes the exact nature and timing of any postoperative complications (e.g., infection, hematoma, seroma), the precise time to recurrence if applicable, and detailed recovery timelines including return to daily activities and work. All data points will be aligned with the definitions set forth in the STROBE guidelines to maintain consistency and reliability in reporting. Analytical Methods The primary analytical approach will involve comparing the frequency and severity of complications between the two surgical methods. Statistical methods will include chi-square tests for categorical data and t-tests for continuous variables, with a significance level set at p\<0.05. Kaplan-Meier curves may be used to estimate recurrence rates over the follow-up period, and a Cox proportional hazards model will assess risk factors for recurrence and complications. Outcome Measures The main outcome measures will focus on: Short-term complications within the first three months post-surgery. Long-term hernia recurrence over the follow-up period. Recovery timelines, quantified by time until return to usual activities and work. Ethical Considerations The study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at Al-Waleedeen Specialized Hospital. All data will be de-identified to ensure confidentiality and compliance with ethical standards for research involving human subjects.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Sudan Medical Specialization Board (SMSB)
Sudan Medical Specialization Board
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
16 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Male patients aged 16 to 85 years. Diagnosed with bilateral primary direct or indirect inguinal hernias. Underwent open elective repairs using either the Lichtenstein or Darn method.
Exclusion criteria
Patients with recurrent hernias. Female patients. Patients with unilateral hernias. Those undergoing laparoscopic or emergency surgery. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes (A1C \> 7). Patients diagnosed with cancer, tuberculosis. Patients with giant inguinoscrotal hernias.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complication Rates | Up to 3 months post-surgery | Number of patients experiencing postoperative complications. Unit of Measure: Percentage of total patients. |
| Hernia Recurrence Rates | Up to 3 months post-surgery . | Number of patients with recurrence of hernia after initial repair. Unit of Measure: Percentage of total patients. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Postoperative Pain Level | Assessed at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week post-surgery. | Average pain scores reported by patients using the Visual Analog Scale. Unit of Measure: Pain score on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). |
| Duration of Hospital Stay | From date of surgery to discharge, within 30 days post-surgery | Length of hospital stay post-surgery. Unit of Measure: Number of days from surgery to discharge. |
| Recovery Times | Assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery. | Time taken for patients to return to usual activities/work post-surgery. Unit of Measure: Number of days from surgery to return to usual activities. |
Countries
Sudan
Outcome results
None listed