ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A tension-free hernia repair using mesh is considered the standard method. A prolene hernia system (PHS) is a more recently introduced hernia-repair device in Korea. We compared complications of beginners' PHS operation with those of experts in our department. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 448 cases of herniorrhaphy using PHS from December 2002 to August 2007. We compared complication of 150 early cases and 150 late cases. RESULTS: There were 394 male and 54 female patients with ages 19 to 82: 321 indirect, 83 direct, 7 femoral, 4 pantaloon hernias. The most frequent complication of PHS repair was hematoma and wound swelling. The 150 early cases' complications included 7 hematoma and 9 wound swelling. The 150 late cases' complications included 7 hematoma and 8 wound swelling. There was no difference between early and late complications. CONCLUSION: In comparing complications of 150 early and late cases, there was no difference.