[Femoral hernioplasty with a mesh plug]

Prosthetic repair of femoral hernias is now standard practice. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results obtained using different types of polypropylene plugs in relation to the different anatomic-surgical aspects of the hernia. Twenty-five femoral hernioplasties were performed, 3 with Gilbert's conical plug, 18 with a dart plug, and 4 with Lichtenstein's cylindrical plug. The functional rehabilitation was rapid, and there were no postoperative complications; over follow-up periods of 3-132 months no recurrences have been reported. The correct choice of plug in femoral hernioplasty makes for efficacy, safety and simplicity. The possibility of choosing among different types of plug in relation to the anatomical characteristics of the hernia provides the surgeon with the right degree of flexibility for achieving the best possible result.