EARLY RESULTS OF INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR BY THE “MESH PLUG” TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Background: In 1989, Lichtenstein I. L., Shulman A. G., Amid P. K., and Montlor M. M. presented an idea of using Mesh Plug to repair the defect inguinal canal. The new technique quickly became accepted by surgeons all over the world for several reasons: faster overall rehabilitation, less postoperative pain, less complication, shorter stay in the hospital and early return to normal activities and work. Materials and method: From Dec 2011 to July 2012, 42 patients with inguinal hernia were surgically treated with 48 Mesh Plugs applied at the Surgery Unit of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Result: The patients’ average age was 49.12±21.17. There were 25 patients over 40 years old, accounting for 59,5%, and 39 of the group were males, accounting for 92.8%. 10 cases were direct hernia, accounting for 20.8%, and 38 cases were indirect hernia accounting for 79.2%. Based on Nyhus’s classification, there were 33 cases of IIIA and IIIB (68.8%). Based on the position of protrusion, there were 30 cases of right inguinal hernia (62.5%), 18 cases of left inguinal hernia (37.5%), and 6 cases of hernia on both sides. The average size of the deep ring is 2.16±1.64cm. 24 cases used Mesh Plug of medium size (54.5%). The mean operating time was 35.75 minutes. The time of staying in the hospital was 3.52±1.14 days. Quality of life assessment after the surgery showed 46 very good and good cases 95.8% and 2 cases (4.2%) with satisfactory result. No case of bad outcome was recorded. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of inguinal hernia by the Mesh Plug technique is really effective, safe with faster postoperative rehabilitation, less postoperative pain, less complications, shorter hospital stay and early return to normal activities and work.