Inguinal Hernia with Lichtenstein Technique: Efficacy of operative cure with mesh fixation with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Vs Absorbable Suture

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of N-butylcyanoacrylate in mesh fixation for inguinal hernia repair using the Lichtenstein technique, compared to absorbable sutures, in patients hospitalized at Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño General Hospital.
Methods: A comparative, prospective, and descriptive study was conducted with a non-randomized, longitudinal design. Data were collected and stored in a database for analysis. Continuous variables were reported as means and standard deviations, while categorical variables were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered, and statistical analysis was performed using JMP-SAS 11.0 software. Results: A total of 74 patients were included, divided into two groups: N-butylcyanoacrylate and absorbable suture. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, and BMI. N-butylcyanoacrylate fixation was associated with a shorter operative time (39.6 vs. 60.9 min, p < 0.001) and reduced hospital stay (1.61 vs. 2.15 days, p = 0.001). Additionally, fewer postoperative complications were observed, with no cases of hematoma and 78.8% of patients experiencing mild postoperative pain (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Mesh fixation with N-butylcyanoacrylate in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair demonstrates superior operative outcomes and a favorable safety profile compared to absorbable sutures, supporting its adoption in clinical practice.