OBJECTIVES: Inguinal hernia is the most common hernia procedure performed. Recurrence rates and complication rates are relatively low but chronic post-operative pain after laparoscopic surgery has been reported and is difficult to manage METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ProGrip™ Mesh and 3DMax™ Mesh with and without the use of tackers for the treatment of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair was conducted using the Premier Hospital Database. Outpatient procedure codes (CPT: 49650, 49651) for patients with a procedure between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2017 were evaluated.

RESULTS: Mean Cost per procedure for 3DMax™ Mesh was $4,816.28 compared to ProGrip™ at $6,791.26, difference of $1,974.98, partially driven by the difference in Surgery time of 29.05 minutes (3DMax™: 94.2 mins vs ProGrip™: 123.25 mins). Similar rates of tack use were analyzed: 41% for 3DMax™ Mesh vs 39% for ProGrip™.

CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, 3DMax™ Mesh has demonstrated reduced procedure time variability in the outpatient surgery setting. Although rates of tack use were similar, a mean 29% cost saving was observed when using 3DMax™ Mesh. This may be partly attributed to reductions in procedure time which may lead to greater operating efficiencies, start time efficiencies, avoided staffing costs and improved patient satisfaction which may ultimately result in lower healthcare resource use.