[Recurrent inguinal hernia]

Recurrence is the most common complication after operation for inguinal hernia. A first recurrence is seen in 1 to 10%, depending on the type of operation. Recurrence rates up to 39% are observed after multiple recurrences. After a mean follow-up of 8.8 years we found 238 recurrences, in 52% lateral, in 41% medial and in 7% combined ones. The follow-up showed that the probability to acquire a new recurrence after operation for recurrent hernia rises with increasing numbers of recurrences. Age is without influence on recurrence formation. In 37% of the operations the primary inguinal hernia repair was performed in the same hospital. In this group of patients no correlation was observed between recurrence and illness with raised intraabdominal pressure or lipomas of the cord. In 47% we found lateral recurrent hernias, after medial recurrences one third of the patients were presented with a new recurrence, and after combined hernias about 20% had a new recurrence. Beside various discussed factors it seems that the operation technique mostly influences the result of the operation.