Comparison of Read-Rives and Lichtenstein repair for treatment of unilateral inguinal hernia

''Lichtenstein'' tension-free mesh repair is the most common surgical techniques used for inguinal hernia repair." Read-Rives" method is tension-free, too, but here prosthesis is placed just over the peritoneum, and there is no weak area. The aim of this study was to compare the results of "Read-Rives" and Lichtenstein method in the hernioplasty. Methods and Materials: In this prospective randomized clinical trial 126 patients who had unilateral inguinal hernia were examined: 64 patients operated with Lichtenstein and 62 patients operated with Rives method. They evaluated for early post-operative complications, duration of surgery and hospital stay, return to normal activity, and then they followed for recurrence of hernia.

Postoperative pain was significantly lower and the return to normal activity was shorter in Rives group. Duration of surgery and hospital stay and recurrence rate was equal, lower postoperative wound infection was found within Rives method.

Although the ''Read-Rives'' method is not technically as simple as ''Lichtenstein'' method, but this procedure is easy to learn, so it is recommended because of its better final outcome in comparison with Lichtenstein repair.