[Tension-free inguinal and femoral hernioplasty using a mesh of plastic material]

This study represents 202 consecutive cases of inguinal- or femoral hernias treated at the Department of Surgery, Silkeborg Central Hospital, Denmark. All were operated with the tension-free mesh-plug technique as described by Rutkow & Robbins (4). The median duration of the operation for the primary hernias was 35 (30-45) minutes, (median(25-75 percentile)), and 45 (30-60) minutes for the recurrent hernias. The operation was performed as a day-in procedure in 62% of the patients, whereas 35% stayed in the ward overnight. All daily activities, including strenuous exercises, were resumed within seven (2-14) days. Seven patients developed haematomas, none of which required treatment. One case of superficial infection required opening of the wound. Three recurrences have been reoperated, all using the mesh-plug technique and all with good results, while another three recurrences are suspected in patients with no or few complaints. It is concluded that inguinal- and femoral mesh-plug hernioplasty is a safe, efficient and low-cost procedure.