Feasibility of primary inguinal hernia repair with a new mesh

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of primary inguinal repair with open tension-free and sutureless technique using a new polypropylene "patch and plug system" (Prolene 3D patch), and the quality of the treatment in terms of reduction of postoperative discomfort. Methods: Fifty-six consecutive patients, mean age 54.5 +/- 11.2 years, with primary unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia, were treated in a day-surgery setting. Collected data included: pain scores at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7,15, and 30 days after operation, analgesic medications, return to work and to heavy house and/or moderate sporting activities, and quality of life as measured by Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) before the operation and at 6 months follow-up. Results: Postoperative pain was low: the mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 2.8 at 24 h, 1.8 at 72 h, and 0.9, 0.3, and 0.04 at 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively. Analgesic drugs were not used by 66.0% (n = 37) of the patients. The mean global time to return to work and to heavy activities was 9.9 +/- 4.6 and 14.6 +/- 7.0, days, respectively. Patient satisfaction showed a significant improvement in all SF-36 domain scores at 6 months follow-up (P < 0.001). There were no major complications, recurrences, or mortality. Conclusions: The new mesh seems to satisfy all requirements of a feasible, reliable, and effective device for repairing primary inguinal hernia with high patient comfort.