This is a prospective, randomized multi-centre study to find out most safe, feasible, painless and cost-effective mesh fixation method in inguinal hernia operation. Three mesh fixation techniques are compared to find out best technique in local anaesthesia Lichtenstein operation. Our hypothesis is that glue fixation is safe, simple and cheap method compared to conventional Lichtenstein technique.

Some 650 patients with inguinal hernia are operated using Lichtenstein operation in local anaesthesia. Mesh fixation is performed using 3 methods: Optilene™ mesh + cyanoacrylate glue (n=200), self-fixing Parietex Progrip™ mesh (n=200) and non-absorbable sutures with Ultrapro™ mesh (n=200). Operative time and pain scores, immediate postoperative outcome, quality-of-life and total costs are followed 1, 7, 30 days and 1 and 5 years postoperatively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• primary or recurrent inguinal hernia
• unilateral or bilateral

Exclusion Criteria:

• femoral hernia
• massive scrotal hernia
• allergy to polypropylene
• patient's refusal