Open preperitoneal mesh repair of recurrent inguinal hernia.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the outcome of open preperitoneal mesh repair of recurrent inguinal hernia. METHODS: A prospective study included 45 consecutive male patients with unilateral recurrent inguinal hernias which were repaired using a polypropylene mesh (15 × 15 cm) placed in the preperitoneal space and anchored by several sutures. RESULTS: All postoperative complications were minor. There were two superficial wound infections, one seroma, two hematomas, and two cases of urine retention. Follow-up was completed for all patients for a mean of 31.3 ± 10.8 months. No recurrences were found. One patient developed hydrocele of the distal hernial sac. None of the patients developed testicular atrophy, vaginal hydrocele, or chronic residual neuralgia. CONCLUSION: Open preperitoneal mesh repair for recurrent inguinal hernia has a low complication rate and is highly effective in preventing re-recurrence. It is easy to learn and should be the general surgeons' procedure of choice for recurrent inguinal hernia repair.