ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Chirurgica 1999 March;54(3):123-6

Copyright © 1999 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

“Tension-free” hernioplasty. Personal experience

Bellone D., Sacco D., Spidalieri G., Cardino L.

Background. In recent years the ''tension-free'' techniques have been progressively replacing conventional hernioplasty by Bassini and Shouldice. Personal experience in the application of various techniques using a prosthesis to make the back wall of the inguinal canal stronger is described.
Methods. From January 1995 to February 1996, 119 non-selected patients were examined; they were operated by Trabucco's (100 cases), Lichtenstein's (16 cases), Gilbert's (13 cases) and Rives's (1 case) techniques, using polypropylene prostheses. Patients were followed for ten months (range 4-18) after surgery with Day-hospital checks at 1 month, 4 months, 1 year and 18 months.
Results. Mortality was not observed. Morbility presented in 12 cases: 2 suppurating wounds, 3 seromas, 2 hematomas, 2 temporary neuralgias of the genito-femoral nerve and 2 scrotal edemas. There was a recurrence (0.8%).
Conclusions. The cases presented confirm the validity of the ''tension-free'' techniques, both for reduced incidence of complications and recurrences, and for a better compliance of the patient, compared with conventional techniques.