Open inguinal hernia repair in women: is mesh necessary?

Abstract

There is little information available on recurrence rates following primary open inguinal hernia repair in women. Women are less prone to inguinal hernias than men; for the same reason, recurrences after hernia repair may also be lower so that the well-known advantage of using mesh could be lost on them. Women having primary open inguinal hernia repair under the care of one surgical team were identified from the unit database. Recurrences in those who had non-mesh repair were sought by a combination of a written questionnaire and clinical examination. Fifty-two women had a non-mesh inguinal hernia repair over a 12-year interval; 37 responded to a questionnaire. There were no major perioperative complications; one recurrence was diagnosed, giving an overall recurrence rate of 2.8% (95% confidence interval 8.2%). During the study interval 37 women had open mesh repair of an inguinal hernia. There were three major complications. The routine use of mesh for open indirect inguinal hernia repair in women may not be necessary.