Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Network Meta-analysis Comparing Self-Gripping Mesh, Suture Fixation, and Glue Fixation

The most troublesome complications of inguinal hernia repair are recurrent herniation and chronic pain. A multitude of technological products dedicated to abdominal wall surgery, such as self-gripping mesh (SGM) and glue fixation (GF), were introduced in alternative to suture fixation (SF) in the attempt to lower the postoperative complication rates. We conducted an electronic systematic search using MEDLINE databases that compared postoperative pain and short- and long-term surgical complications after SGM or GF and SF in open inguinal hernia repair. Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials totaling 5495 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in this network meta-analysis. SGM and GF did not show better outcomes in either short- or long-term complications compared to SF. Patients in the SGM group showed significantly more pain at day 1 compared to those in the GF group (VAS score pain mean difference: − 5.2 Crl − 11.0; − 1.2). The relative risk (RR) of developing a surgical site infection (RR 0.83; Crl 0.50–1.32), hematoma (RR 1.9; Crl 0.35–11.2), and seroma (RR 1.81; Crl 0.54–6.53) was similar in SGM and GF groups. Both the SGM and GF had a significantly shorter operative time mean difference (1.70; Crl − 1.80; 5.3) compared to SF. Chronic pain and hernia recurrence did not statistically differ at 1 year (RR 0.63; Crl 0.36–1.12; RR 1.5; Crl 0.52–4.71, respectively) between SGM and GF. Methods of inguinal hernia repair are evolving, but there remains no superiority in terms of mesh fixation. Ultimately, patient’s preference and surgeon’s expertise should still lead the choice about the fixation method.