Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the effects of three operation methods on the open tension-free repair of inguinal hernia. Methods The data of 1 136 cases of inguinal hernias seen between Feb. 2003 and Aug. 2009 after tensionfree hernioplasty were analyzed retrospectively. Total expenses, length of hospital stay, post operation complications, rate of recurrence were compared among the groups. Results In all the 1 136 cases the tension-free hernia repair was successful. The operation methods included Lichtenstein, Rutkow, preperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy(PIH). The average hospital expense was significantly lower in the Lichtenstein group than in the Rutkow and PIH groups. There were no significant differences in recurrence rate, post operative complications, length of hospital stay among the three groups. Conclusion All the 3 hernioplasty procedures showed ideal effects, characterized by low recurrence rate, minor postoperative pain, quick recovery, short hospital stay and few postoperative complications. Individualized treatment programs are still the optimal choices. Severe early postoperative pain reliably predicted the likelihood of persisting chronic groin pain.

Key words: hernia, inguinal, tension free hernia repair, artificial synthetic material