MESH PLUG METHOD IN INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR

Abstract

There are many methods in inguinal hernia repair, but the ideal method is yet to be established. We designed a prospective study to evaluate the results of mesh plug usage in inguinal hernia repair.

Many new methods have been proposed for surgery of inguinal hernia in the recent years. When these methods are considered several features should be kept in mind like; the simplicty and feasibility of the technique and post operative comfortability, time lapse before going back to work, recurrence rates and coast effectivity which are all the priorities of today's people. Low recurrence rates, short operation time and open tension-free repair procedures are the favorites of these methods in the recent years.

140 patients with inguinal hernia were treated with 156 mesh plug repair between November 2000 and November 2002. A total of 1 56 patients with 124 unilaterally and 16 bilaterally were operated for inguinal hernia. Recovery period and recurrence rates were determined in the post operative follow up. Mean operation time was 36.5±11.4 min. All of the patients went back to work after an average of five (3-7) days. Patients were asked to come for routine controls on 7^th, 30^th postoperatives days, from November 2001 until November 2002. Hematoma was seen in 8 patients and local sensitivity loss was detected in 3 patients. There were not any other complications like infection, orchites and plug migration. There was no recurrence for the mean follow-up of 18±4.8 months (2-24 months). Being an invasive tension-free repair method with limited dissection from a small incision, mesh plug is effective with low-cost, easy appliance, low recurence rates and short recovery times.