‘Skin glue’ eases pain for hernia patients

Sheffield-based B Braun Medical said the glue was being used worldwide in inguinal hernia operations – the most common surgery in the world.

Hernias are usually treated by fixing a mesh to the abdominal wall to strengthen it. But some patients suffer pain and irritation caused by the sutures, stapling or tacks used to attach the mesh.

B Braun Medical spokesman Mark Culf said trials had shown the glue Histoacryl was a “effective, fast and cost-effective alternative” to suturing meshes.

“There is also less chance of the patient suffering from chronic pain and a lower complication rate has been observed in comparison to suture or staples,” he added.