[The Keel Mesh prosthesis: an innovative surgical device for a modern Bassini inguino-crural hernia operation without...

Accepting the therapeutic rational underlying laparoscopic and suprapubic laparotomy access, the same therapeutic goal is achieved through direct inguinal access. In this way, using just one prosthesis, inguinal-crural hernias of the Fruchaud pectineus orifice can be treated. The patented three-dimensional pre-cut Keel Mesh prosthesis made of polypropylene monofilament interwoven in a mesh, is tension-free and endowed with plastic memory. It is applied using a slightly modified Lichtenstein technique and is composed of two assembled elements (A and B-C) of different shapes and sizes. From May 2000 to December 2005, the Keel Mesh prosthesis was used in 358 surgical inguino-crural alloplasty operations according to Lichtenstein-De Pascale in 328 patients. Thirty patients were treated with bilateral allo-plasties. Coexistence of a crural hernia was found in 13 male and 4 female patients (5%). At the present time all the patients who are entering into follow-up at different times show perfect compliance of the prosthesis with no relapses. The theoretical and practical considerations regarding the production of the Keel Mesh prosthesis and its easy application suggest it is an extremely valid, rational device for the initial and combined treatment of inguinal and crural hernia.