Inguinal hernia treatment with the Prolene Hernia System in a Dutch regional training hospital.
BACKGROUND
In this retrospective study results from inguinal hernia repair with the Prolene Hernia System (PHS) in a regional training hospital were analysed.


METHODS
One-hundred and seventy-eight primary inguinal hernias and thirty-nine recurrent hernias (initial non-mesh repair) were treated with the PHS. The primary endpoint was the recurrence rate. Secondary endpoints were short-term and long-term complications. Pain was evaluated by use of a visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100), and a short-form 36-item questionnaire was used to assess postoperation quality of life. All patients visited the outpatient clinic for a physical examination (100% follow-up).


RESULTS
After a median follow-up of 32 months four patients were diagnosed with recurrent herniation (1.8%), three after primary hernia repair (1.6%) and one after recurrent hernia repair (2.6%). Three superficial wound infections (1.3%), three haematomas needing surgical evacuation (1.3%), and two lesions of the spermatic cord (0.9%) were diagnosed. Seven patients (3.2%) suffered from persistent pain (VAS > 40). Average VAS score was 13 (0-80) >24 months after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
In a regional training hospital, primary and recurrent inguinal hernias were treated with low recurrence and few complications by use of the PHS.
Berende
C A S
CA
Department of Surgery, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Nieuwstraat 34, 5211 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
Ruurda
J P
JP
Hazenberg
C E V B
CE
Olsman
J G
JG
van Geffen
H J A A
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011126:Polypropylenes