Comparison of Sutures versus N-Butyl 2-Cyanoacrylate Glue for Mesh Fixation in Primary Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of N-Butyl 2-Cyanoacrylate glue versus traditional sutures for mesh fixation during primary inguinal hernia repair. The goal was to compare postoperative outcomes, including pain, complications, and recovery time.

A total of 100 patients with unilateral inguinal hernias were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving mesh fixation with sutures and the other with N-Butyl 2-Cyanoacrylate glue. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours, 48 hours, and one week post-surgery. Complications such as seroma, infection, and recurrence were monitored for three months.

Results indicated that the glue group experienced significantly lower pain scores at 24 hours (2.1 vs. 4.3, p < 0.01) and 48 hours (1.5 vs. 3.8, p < 0.05). Complication rates were also lower in the glue group, with no cases of seroma compared to 5% in the suture group. These findings suggest that N-Butyl 2-Cyanoacrylate glue is a safe and effective alternative to sutures for mesh fixation in inguinal hernia repair, leading to reduced postoperative pain and complications.

Keywords: inguinal hernia, mesh fixation, N-Butyl 2-Cyanoacrylate, sutures, postoperative pain.