[The results of Lichtenstein operation for groin hernias--prospective multicenter study]

Authors describe the short and long term results of a prospective multicentric Lichtenstein-trial started in March 1999. For the first time in our country, the exchange of information between the participating institutes has been arranged via Internet. 1434 patients were admitted for primary hernia repair and included in the trial. However, only 714 (49.8 per cent) have attended at the last follow-up control 4 years after surgery. Premilene and Prolene meshes were used in the course of Lichtenstein's tension-free procedure.

Wound suppuration occurred only in a very small number of the patients (0.76 per cent) and there was merely one occasion when the mesh implant had to be removed because of sepsis. The intensity of postoperative pain and demand for analgesics was very low. During the follow-up period of 4 years 16 recurrent hernias were diagnosed (2.4 per cent). A hydrocele developed in 8 patients (0.5 per cent) while necrosis of the testicle was found in 4 patients (0.27 per cent). We realised that both the attitude and practice of the institutes participating in the study has changed thoroughly and the Bassini-repair seems to be replaced by the Lichtenstein procedure in these surgical departments.

The study has reached its objective in more aspects: First it helped to achieve a significant reduction in recurrence rates and it also has shown that there is no increase in wound suppuration. The great number of surgeons performing this kind of inguinal hernia repair and their good results also indicate that this operation in less depending on surgical skills and practice than the Bassini-repair. The study has largely contributed to the national spread of this operation and has doubtlessly verified the advantage of information and data processing through the Internet, ie. a prompt and correct evaluation of the data recorded