Comparative study between prolene hernia system mesh and pre-peritoneal mesh in treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia

ABSTRACT

Repair of recurrent inguinal hernia is technically more dem and ing than a primary repair, with potential for a new recurrence, and a higher risk of complications. Between June 2002 and December 2003, sixty-four patients with recurrent inguinal hernia had been selected for this prospective comparative study. The patients were r and omized to undergo treatment using either the prolene hernia system [PHS] or the open pre-peritoneal configured prolene mesh repair [group A and B respectively]. No re-recurrence or mesh infection was reported in both groups. In group A, haematoma was reported in 2 cases [6.25%] cord injury and testicular atrophy in one case [3.12%] and scrotal oedema in 12 cases [37.5%]. These complications were not reported in group B which showed an incidence of seroma in one case [3.12%]. Compared to the PHS, the open pre-peritoneal configured prolene mesh repair for recurrent inguinal hernia is technically easier, safer and cheaper. The incidence of scrotal oedema is significantly less with the pre-peritoneal approach than with the open anterior approach using the PHS. The open pre-peritoneal repair using a configured prolene mesh should be considered at the top of hierarchy for treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia especially in bilateral cases