New devices for inguinal hernia repair in elderly patients.

A recent meta-analysis concluded that there was a lower incidence of recurrences after mesh hernioplasty, as opposed to non-mesh open methods. Inguinal mesh and plug hernioplasties have been performed using prostheses of different sizes and shapes, either sutured or not to the tissues. However, hernia repair using mesh is sometimes associated with postoperative pain, more or less severe and/or persistent. As a consequence it may interfere with the time required to return to work and to normal daily activities. Finally, concerning the postoperative complications and recurrences, the data presented in our study confirm the very low rate for both aspects; then, as regards the time to return to work, our good results are similar to those of other studies available in literature. In conclusion the tension-free hernia repair described, based upon the use of Prolene 3D patch, is a safe operation, simple to be acquired, it can be performed on an outpatient basis, with a low complication rate, a low level of pain, and an excellent quality of life thereafter. The new device seems to satisfy all requisites of a feasible, reliable and effective system for repairing primary inguinal hernia, at low cost, high patient comfort, and with low risk of recurrences.