Background: The Desarda repair technique of inguinal hernia repair introduced in 2001 is still not
considered standard tissue based hernia repair technique. We compared the tissue based Desarda technique
with standard Lichtenstein repair in treatment of primary inguinal hernia.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the short term outcomes of Desarda technique versus
Lichtenstein hernioplasty in inguinal hernia repair.
Patients and methods: A total of 81 participants (41 in the Lichtenstein arm and 40 in the Desarda arm)
were enrolled into this single centre double-blind randomised controlled trial. The outcome measures were
evaluated at 1–2 h, 3, 7 and 14 days. The primary outcomes measured were recurrence and chronic pain. In
addition to early and late complications, foreign body sensation, and return to everyday activity which
examined and evaluated in hospital after surgery.
Results: During one year follow up, no recurrence was detected in each group . Chronic groin pain was
experienced by 5.6% and 4.2% of patients from Desarda and Lichtenstein groups respectively (P = 0.68).
There was no significant statistical difference in mean postoperative VAS scores for pain at the five time
points between the two study groups. There was significantly shorter operating time and earlier return to
normal gait in favor of Desarda repair. Foreign body sensation was not different between the two groups..
Conclusions: Successful inguinal hernia treatment without mesh implantation can be achieved using
Desarda repair, as it is effective as the standard Lichtenstein procedure. Shorter operating time, early return
to normal gait and lower cost (no mesh) are potential benefits of Desarda repair. The suitability of Desarda
repair for patients found to have thin, weak or divided external oblique aponeurosis intraoperatively needs
further evaluation.