Our Experience with the Use of Low Cost Mesh in Tension-Free Inguinal Hernioplasty in Northern Ghana

Objectives: To describe our experience and success in the use of low cost mesh for the repair of inguinal hernias in consenting adult patients.

Methods: A prospective study was carried out from August 2010 to December 2013 in ten district hospitals across Northern Ghana. The patients were divided into four groups according to Kingsnorth's classification of hernias. Low cost mesh was used to repair uncomplicated groin hernia. Those hernias associated with complications were excluded. We assessed the patients for wound infection, long term incisional pain and recurrence of hernia. The data collected was entered, cleaned, validated and analyzed.

Results: One hundred and eighty-four patients had tension-free repair of their inguinal hernias using non-insecticide impregnated mosquito net mesh. The median age of the patients was 51 years. The male to female ratio was 7:1. Using Kingsnorth's classification, H3 hernias were (62, 33.7%), followed by the H1 group (56, 30.4%). Local anaesthesia was used in 70% and less than 5% had general anaesthesia. The cost of low cost mesh to each patient was calculated to be $ 1.8(GH¢7.2) vs $ 45(GH¢ 180) for commercial mesh of same size. The benefit to the patient and the facility was enormous. Wound hematoma was noticed in 7% while superficial surgical site infection was 3%. No patient reported of long term wound pain. There was no recurrence of hernia.

Conclusion: Low cost mesh such as sterilized mosquito net mesh for use in hernioplasty in resource-limited settings is reasonable, acceptable and cost-effective, it should be widely propagated.

Funding: None declared.