Use of a dynamic self-regulating prosthesis (P.A.D.) in inguinal hernia repair: our first experience in 214 patients

Numerous techniques exist for inguinal hernia treatment. Currently, open mesh tension-free repair is regarded as the repair method of choice. In particular Lichtenstein repair is the most common procedure performed, although several articles have reported long-lasting postoperative pain and a higher recurrence rate than originally reported. This study describes the P.A.D. (Protesi Autoregolantesi Dinamica) prosthesis implantation technique and reports postoperative complications and long-term results. From June 2002 to May 2005 a total of 214 patients underwent P.A.D. prosthesis inguinal repair. All patients were male, with a mean age of 51 years. All hernias were treated via an open inguinal approach using the original technique described by Valenti, with slight modifications. A total of 171'patients (80%) were available to follow-up 3 years after surgery. Early postoperative complications occurred in 14 patients (8.4%). Four patients (12.1%), who had undergone regional anaesthesia, developed urinary retention. Wound infection occurred in 3 patients (1.4%). There were two direct recurrences (0.93%) whereas chronic postoperative inguinal pain was reported in 4.2% of patients. Within the limitations of a short follow-up, our results show that the P.A.D. prosthesis procedure is a reliable technique with a low recurrence rate and low postoperative morbidity.