title: Plug-technique for small incisional hernia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors report their experience with a new prosthetic technique for the repair of incisional hernia defects smaller than 3 cm.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 1995 to September 2002, 16 operations for small incisional hernias have been performed. Local anaesthesia was used in 12 out of 16 patients (75%). The repair was achieved by insertion of a polypropylene plug sutured to the margins of the hernial defect.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients were discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Postoperative pain was mild and required hospital analgesia in 25% of cases. Back at home analgesia was needed in only 1 patient. During a follow-up ranging 3 to 91 months (mean 46), no recurrence has been recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed technique allows a sound repair of small incisional hernias with minimal pain, quick rehabilitation and early return to unrestricted work.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Trapianti d'Organo, Cattedra di Chirurgia Generale I.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Privitera
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brancato
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donati
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gandolfo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Donati
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods