The preperitoneal memory-ring patch for inguinal hernia: a prospective multicentric feasibility study.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Hernia Repair Techniques
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Groin hernia repair is a common surgical procedure.
• Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce postoperative pain and improve recovery.
• The preperitoneal memory-ring patch (Polysoft) is a novel device for hernia repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, reproducibility, safety, and efficacy of the Polysoft memory-ring patch for preperitoneal groin hernia repair.
• To evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient-reported pain scores associated with this new surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicentric observational study involving 200 consecutive patients undergoing 235 unilateral groin hernia repairs.
• Operations were performed by three surgeons across two centers over a 12-month period.
• Pre- and intraoperative data, along with postoperative complications and pain scores (Visual Analogue Scale - VAS), were prospectively recorded.

Main Results:

• The mean operative time was 22 minutes, with 35.5% of patients treated in an ambulatory setting.
• Postoperative VAS scores showed a significant decrease from 4.2 at 24 hours to 0.1 at 6 months.
• A low recurrence rate of 1.5% (3 patients) was observed over a median follow-up of 19-31 months.

Conclusions:

• The transinguinal, minimally invasive preperitoneal mesh repair using the Polysoft patch is reproducible, easy to perform, and safe.
• This technique may reduce acute and chronic postoperative pain compared to other open and laparoscopic methods.
• Larger randomized trials are recommended to validate these mid-term results and compare outcomes with established techniques.