To compare the clinical effect between Lichtenstein operation with ProGrip self-gripping mesh and anterior preperitoneal tension-free repair with UHS mesh (Gilbert operation) in the treatment of inguinal hernia.

A retrospective analysis of 150 male cases of inguinal hernia who were admitted to the second hospital of Shanxi medical university from September 2015 to August 2017 were enrolled. All the patients were divided into two groups according to the operation method and the types of mesh, 75 cases in each group. The patients in group A were treated by Lichtenstein operation with ProGrip self-gripping mesh (Covidien^?, US). The patients in group B were treated with anterior preperitoneal tension-free repair with UHS mesh (Johnson&Johnson^?, US).

In the two groups, operation time, postoperative incidence of chronic pain and foreign body sensation were statistically significant (t=30.21、χ²=5.37、11.04, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hospitalization time (t=0.98, P>0.05). There was no infection and recurrence in the period of 3 months of follow-up.

Both the two different meshes and the corresponding treatment of inguinal hernia have good short term effect, the application of Lichtenstein operation with ProGrip self-gripping mesh has certain advantages in the prevention of postoperative incidence of foreign body sensation and shortening the operation time, and it's easy to perform. In theory, anterior preperitoneal tension-free repair with UHS patch is more in line with human mechanics, and has certain advantages in preventing postoperative chronic pain, but it is relatively complicated and the operation learning curve is relatively long.