Tension-free hernioplasty in primary inguinal hernia. A series of 2054 cases

SummaryThis was a prospective study to analyze the results of tension-free hernioplasty in a center no specially dedicated to hernia surgery. We reviewed data of 1761 patients with 2111 primary hernias. Tension-free hernioplasty (Lichtenstein procedure) was performed in 2054 hernias and herniorrhaphy i (Marcy or Bassini repair) in 57. Loco-regional anesthesia was used in 65% of the patients. The most common complication was hematoma of the wound (1.6%). There was a very low rate of wound infection (0.1%) and in no case was necessary to remove the prosthesis. Median follow-up was 5 years. There were 5 recurrences in the Lichtenstein procedures (0.24%). Three were at the pubic tubercle and two were a disruption of the lower edge of the mesh from the inguinal ligament. All of these were at the beginning of the series.Tension-free hernioplasty is a very simple and safe method, easy to reproduce and with excellent results.