Purpose: Lichtenstein’s tension-free repair & mesh-plug hernia repair
are the most frequently used procedures for inguinal hernia repair by
american surgeons. A new tension-free hernioplasty procedure, maintaining
the advantages of both of these procedures, was invented by an experienced
surgeon in our hospital. In this procedure, an umbrella-shaped mesh is
applied to the entire posterior wall, not only to the defective area. We
analyzed the results of this procedure in comparison with those from
conventional repair (Bassini procedure). Methods: From March 1998 to
March 2001, 69 cases of hernioplasty were performed by one staff surgeon.
Among these cases, we excluded 2 cases of bilateral inguinal hernia, 1 case
of femoral hernia, and 6 cases which were impossible to follow up. In
addition, we analyzed 29 cases of tension-free hernioplasty using an
umbrella-shaped mesh (U group) and 31 cases of conventional repair (B
group). Retrospective chart reviews and telephone interviews were carried
out. Operation duration, length of hospital stay, period of analgesics use,
complications, time required to return to usual activity, and recurrence
were compared between these two groups. Results: No significant
differences were found concerning operation duration, period of hospital
stay, complications, and time for return to usual activity. The period of
analgesic use was significantly shorter in the U group than in the B group
(p=0.001, 2.0 days vs 2.9 days). Only one recurrence occurred in B group.
Conclusion: This new procedure has all the properties of tension free
hernioplasty and plug hernia repair. This procedure can be used for all
types of inguinal hernia and for a much lower cost than the preformed plug
method. No incidence of recurrence was found folling the use of this
procedure.
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