[10 years results after repair of recurrent problem inguinal hernia with prolene mesh]

The repair of multiple recurrences of inguinal hernias remains a surgical challenge. In 38 patients with a problematic recurrent inguinal hernia we implanted a polypropylene mesh (Prolene) in order to reinforce the transversalis fascia and to repair the inguinal hernia. 20 of these were medial and 14 lateral hernias; 4 patients had a combination of both types. All patients were prospectively included into this study and were seen in median follow-up periods of 3 and 6 months, as well as 4 and 9 years. As early complications hematoma of the wound (n = 3), scrotal edema (n = 1), temporary pain at the wound site (n = 12) and paresthesia (n = 13) occurred. Two patients (n = 2) developed a femoral hernia and one patient suffered from a persisting nerve injury of the ilioinguinal nerve. Due to the low complication and recurrency rate the tension free repair with polypropylene mesh is a effective method for treatment of problematic recurrent hernias.