A Tension-free Herniorrhaphy Using the Prolene Hernia System: Clinical Experiences

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to detail clinical experiences with a new type of tension-free herniorrhaphy using the Prolene Hernia System (PHS) and analyze the system' usefulness. METHODS: We reviewed 48 cases of herniorrhaphy using PHS and 45 cases of conventional herniorrhaphy retrospectively by reviewing the medical records of patients undergoing either procedure between January 2000 and February 2005. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the operation time (P=0.054) or the length of hospital stay (P=0.138) between the groups. However, the need for analgesic therapy in the PHS group was less than in the control group (P= 0.008). There were no serious postoperative complications, but wound complications occurred more often in the PHS group (6 seromas and 2 hematomas), and urinary retention occurred more frequently in the control group. The recurrence rate in the control group was 2.2% (1/45), but there were no recurrences in the PHS group for 46 months. CONCLUSION: Herniorrhaphy using the PHS is safe and effective as conventional surgery. It can be carried out under local anesthesia more easily, and it is less painful than the conventional surgery. We suggest that the PHS be widely adopted as a method of tension-free herniorrhaphy.