Recurrent inguinal hernia: surgical repair with a sheet of Dacron mesh by the inguinal route

In this report we describe our technique for repair of recurrent inguinal hernia, using a large sheet of Mersilene mesh placed by the inguinal route. After division of the epigastric vessels, the inguinal canal is opened widely. A large sheet of Dacron mesh is inserted and the muscles are closed without tension by the McVay technique. We have repaired 142 recurrent hernias by this method. One patient died (0.7%) and morbidity included hole in the bladder (n = 3), wound discharge-(n = 2), wound haematoma (n = 5), cardiac arrhythmia (n = 1), and urinary retention (n = 2). The mesh had to be removed in two cases. No further recurrences were observed. This technique, thanks the placement of a large "tension free" sheet of mesh, ensures solid, definitive repair and is recommended for initial treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia.