Combined anterior and posterior inguinal hernia repair: intermediate recurrence rates with three groups of surgeons.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Use of a bilayer polypropylene mesh device (BPMD) for inguinal hernia repair began in 1998. Intermediate follow-up is now available for patients undergoing repair by three groups of surgeons. METHODS: Surgeons whose practice is dedicated to hernia repair trained preceptors who, in turn, assisted in the training of other surgeons in this new technique. All three groups provided information regarding their recurrence rates with this technique. RESULTS: Recurrence rates were similar for all three groups. Hernia specialists reported three recurrences out of 4,801 repairs. Preceptors reported one recurrence in 3,780 repairs. Other surgeons reported one failure in 3,369 repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the BPMD (Prolene Hernia System) provides reliable results in the hands of hernia specialists, as well as general surgeons whose practices are not concentrated on the management of hernias.