[The Lichtenstein plug method for repair of recurrent inguinal hernia. Indications, technique and results]

The Lichtenstein plug is a cylindric polypropylene prosthesis by which small recurrent inguinal hernias can be occluded without a formal hernia repair. In a series of 245 recurrent inguinal hernia repairs from 1990 to 1994, the Lichtenstein plug was used for 55 hernias, 22.4% of all recurrencies. Early postoperative complications concerned two hematomas and one sinus formation. Re-recurrence was 3.6% (n = 2/55) after a median follow-up of 30 months. Both recurrencies could again be repaired under local anesthesia. For stage I and II recurrencies the Lichtenstein plug is the least invasive procedure and completes the operative armamentarium to the advantage of patients.