Open mesh-plug technique in inguinal hernia repair--short-term results

To evaluate the safety, technical problems, early complications and short-term results of the mesh-plug technique in primary and recurrent inguinal hernia repair.

Prospective study.

Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia.

Two hundred and forty-four patients with 256 hernias were admitted through a specialised hernia clinic between May 1997 and June 1998. There were 236 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 50 years (range 17-90 years).

Repair of the inguinal hernia using the mesh-plug technique.

Concomitant medical problems were present in 7.3% of patients. The size of the hernia was assessed preoperatively and recorded as either inguinal (73%) or inguino-scrotal (33%). The site of the hernia was right in 55.7% of patients, left in 48% and bilateral in 4.9%. Furthermore, types and Gilbert's classification were assessed intraoperatively. The mean operative time was 41.61 +/- 10.59 minutes and the mean hospital stay was 1.14 +/- 2.63 days. No perioperative mortality occurred in this series. General complications were vomiting in 4 cases and 6 cases of chest infection. Local complications included 2 would infections (0.8%), 26 skin bruises (10.7%), 6 scrotal swellings (2.5%), 2 cases of cord thickening (0.8%) and 16 cases of postoperative neuralgia (6.6%). There were only 2 cases of recurrence (0.8%).

Simplicity, safety, short operating time, and low rates of complications and recurrence were noted. The technique is promising and could be used for all types of primary and recurrent inguinal hernia as day surgery cases under local anaesthesia.