A Cochrane review included 22 studies with a total of 5155 subjects. Twenty trials compared open mesh with open non-mesh repair. Open mesh methods, on average, took 7–10 minutes less to perform than Shouldice procedures, but took 1–4 minutes longer than other non-mesh methods. There were no clear differences between mesh and non-mesh groups for haematomas, seromas or wound/superficial infections. Overall, those in the mesh groups had a shorter length of hospital stay and quicker return to usual activities, but this pattern was not observed for all trials. Fewer hernia recurrences were reported after mesh repair (Peto OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.51).