[Tension-free hernioplasty. Our experience].
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.
Bellone
D
D
Divisione di Chirurgia Generale, Ospedale Civile E. Agnelli, Pinerolo.
Sacco
D
D
Spidalieri
G
G
Cardino
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011126:Polypropylenes; D012008:Recurrence; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*
D011126:Polypropylenes