Hernioplasty with bilayer polypropylene mesh: a new tension-free technique

Different open-mesh techniques have been developed for inguinal hernia repair since the introduction of the tension-free technique. The present study reports a new self-designed tension-free technique for hernioplasty using a bilayer polypropylene mesh. Fifty-one patients with severe transverse fascia weakness were repaired by means of a self-designed, tension-free technique using bilayer polypropylene mesh. The postoperative complications, inpatient hospitalization time, and recurrence rate were studied. Patients were mobilized within 6 h after surgery and no complications were found. The length of hospital stay was 2-3 days. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 40 months, with a mean of 20.4 months, and no recurrence was found. Our own experience showed the self-designed, tension-free technique using bilayer polypropylene mesh to be a reliable approach for inguinal hernia repair with many advantages--such as a much lower expense, simplicity, rapid return to unrestricted activities, minor complications, and impressively no recurrence, a particularly superior option for those patients with severe transverse fascia weakness or large defect.