Context: Hernioplasty with use of synthetic mesh is the gold standard for Inguinal hernia repair. However high cost of synthetic mesh is the limiting factor for its use in poor resource countries. This is a study of use of mosquito net as a cheaper alternative to synthetic Prolene mesh for inguinal hernia repair.

Aims: To study safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of Mosquito Net as compared to Prolene mesh.

Settings and Design: Comparative study by random selection, between Mosquito net and Prolene mesh for Ingunal hernia repair with 100 patients in each group. All patients underwent Lichtensteins Tension free Repair under Spinal Anaesthesia. 

Methods and Material: Comparative study between Mosquito net and Prolene mesh was done in terms of sterilization, complications and cost effectiveness.

Statistical analysis used: Proportionate test to compare Complication rate.

Results: Out of 200 Inguinal hernia repairs done, Mosquito net was used in 100 patients and Prolene mesh in 100 pateints. Sterilization was done by Routine Autoclave which did not change the properties of mosquito net. The complication rate of Mosquito net group was negligible and comparable to Prolene mesh. Also, Mosquito net is 5000 times cheaper than Prolene mesh.

Conclusions: Mosquito net is a safe, easy to sterilize and cost effective alternative to synthetic Prolene mesh in poor resource countries.

Keywords: Mosquito Net; Prolene Mesh; Inguinal Hernia.