Meta-analysis: desarda vs lichtenstein repair for primary inguinal hernia

This meta-analysis compares Desarda and Lichtenstein repair techniques in adult patients with primary inguinal hernia using data from randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies. Studies enrolling participants over 18 years and directly reporting postoperative outcomes for both techniques were included. The pooled analysis focuses on early and late complications such as seroma, surgical site infection, scrotal edema, hematoma, chronic groin pain, hospital stay, and recurrence, as summarized in the outcome table. The findings demonstrate that Desarda and Lichtenstein repairs have comparable recurrence and major complication rates, while Desarda repair shows similar or slightly improved postoperative comfort and cost-effectiveness, supporting its use as a viable non-mesh alternative, especially in low-resource settings.