Inguinal hernia treatment with the Prolene Hernia System in a Dutch regional training hospital

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

PATIENTS AND 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.

CONCLUSION: In a regional training hospital, primary and recurrent inguinal hernias were treated with low recurrence and few complications by use of the PHS.