Objective: To compare the application efficacy of self-gripping mesh and sutured mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair.    
Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing using self-gripping mesh and sutured mesh in Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair from January 2010 to January 2019 were searched in the national and international databases. After literature screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the risks of bias of included studies were assessed by the Cochrane collaboration tool, and the pooled effect size was analyzed by using of Review Manager Version 5.3 software.
Results: Fourteen RCTs were finally included involving 3 904 patients, with 1 930 cases in self-gripping mesh group and 1 974 cases in sutured mesh group. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the operative time was significantly shortened (MD=–5.31, 95% CI=–8.11––2.51, P=0.000 2) and the wound infection rate was significantly decreased (RR=0.46, 95% CI=0.26–0.81, P=0.007) , but the hernia recurrence rate was significantly increased (RR=1.67, 95% CI=1.12–2.48, P=0.01) in self-gripping mesh group compared with sutured mesh group; there was no statistical differences in incidence of postoperative chronic groin pain, foreign body sensation, hematoma and seroma between the two groups (all P>0.05).
Conclusion: Compared with the traditional sutured mesh in Lichtenstein tension-free repair, self-gripping mesh has the advantages of shortening operative time and reducing incidence of incision infection, but it may lead to an increased hernia recurrence in short-term postoperative period (within one year after operation). However, this conclusion still needs to be validated by large sample size and high-quality studies.