[Inguinofemoral hernia: multicenter study of surgical techniques]

The present study was performed by the Spanish Association of surgeons through its abdominal wall and sutures section. The aim was to determine the current situation of inguinofemoral hernias in Spain and was based on an anonymous multicenter study with the participation of various national hospitals.

Fifty general surgery departments in distinct surgical centers throughout Spain responded to an anonymous survey in 2000. The survey gathered data on anesthetic features, surgical techniques and complications in the treatment of inguinofemoral hernias.

Sixty-six percent of hospital centers had a specific abdominal wall unit and 24% performed laparoscopic hernia surgery. Prosthetic techniques (especially Lichtenstein) were the most frequently used in the treatment of primary inguinal hernia (72%) and recurrent hernia (100%). The most frequently used prosthetic material was polypropylene mesh (76%). Only 28% of the departments surveyed performed anatomic techniques in the repair of primary inguinal hernia (Shouldice and Bassini). The most frequent treatment for femoral hernia was the Lichtenstein "plug" (78%). Sixty-eight percent of the centers surveyed performed regional anesthesia, 18% used general anesthesia and only 14% used local anesthesia with sedation. Severe complications were found in 20% of departments. Clinical postoperative follow-up was performed in 96% of the centers and telephone follow-up was used in 4%. The recurrence rate was 1.2% for primary inguinal hernia, 2.7% for recurrent inguinal hernia and 0.3% for femoral hernia.

In Spain the most commonly used surgical technique in the treatment of inguinal hernia is Lichtenstein hernioplasty under spinal anesthesia and with polypropylene prosthesis. The Lichtenstein plug is the most commonly used technique in the treatment of femoral hernia.