Feasibility of primary inguinal hernia repair with a new mesh.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of primary inguinal repair with open tension-free and sutureless technique using a new polypropylene "patch and plug system" (Prolene 3D patch), and the quality of the treatment in terms of reduction of postoperative discomfort.


METHODS
Fifty-six consecutive patients, mean age 54.5+/-11.2 years, with primary unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia, were treated in a day-surgery setting. Collected data included: pain scores at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7, 15, and 30 days after operation, analgesic medications, return to work and to heavy house and/or moderate sporting activities, and quality of life as measured by Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) before the operation and at 6 months follow-up.


RESULTS
Postoperative pain was low: the mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 2.8 at 24 h, 1.8 at 72 h, and 0.9, 0.3, and 0.04 at 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively. Analgesic drugs were not used by 66.0% (n=37) of the patients. The mean global time to return to work and to heavy activities was 9.9+/-4.6 and 14.6+/-7.0, days, respectively. Patient satisfaction showed a significant improvement in all SF-36 domain scores at 6 months follow-up (P<0.001). There were no major complications, recurrences, or mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
The new mesh seems to satisfy all requirements of a feasible, reliable, and effective device for repairing primary inguinal hernia with high patient comfort.
Fei
L
L
Unit of General Surgery, "F.Magrassi-A.Lanzara," Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Second University of Naples-School of Medicine, 80124, Naples, Italy. landino.fei@tin.it
Filippone
G
G
Trapani
V
V
Cuttitta
D
D
Iannuzzi
E
E
Iannuzzi
M
M
Galizia
G
G
Moccia
F
F
Signoriello
G
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000700:Analgesics; D011126:Polypropylenes