Conventional Sutures versus Cyanoacrylate Glue in Mesh Fixation in Open Inguinal Hernioplasty

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Conventional mesh fixation with sutures, while effective, is associated with tissue trauma, nerve entrapment, and postoperative pain. Cyanoacrylate glue has been proposed as a less invasive alternative that may improve outcomes.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of conventional sutures versus cyanoacrylate glue in mesh fixation during open inguinal hernioplasty. Patients and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at General Surgery Department, Al-Ahrar Teaching Hospital on eighty adult patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia who were divided into: Group A underwent mesh fixation with non-absorbable polypropylene sutures, and Group B underwent fixation with medical-grade cyanoacrylate glue. Primary outcomes included operative time and postoperative pain while secondary outcomes included complications, return to daily activities, and recurrence.
Results: The glue group demonstrated a significantly shorter operative time compared to the sutures group. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the glue group at all time points up to six months. Patients in the glue group resumed normal activities earlier than those in the sutures group. Complication rates were low and comparable between groups.
Conclusion: Cyanoacrylate glue fixation is a safe and effective alternative to sutures in open inguinal hernia repair. It offers shorter operative time, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery without compromising recurrence rates or safety, making it a valuable option in routine surgical practice.