Is the Lichtenstein operation of strangulated groin hernia a safe procedure?

Background: In spite of many published articles describing the hernia repairs, there are only a few original reports concerning the polymer mesh application during emergency procedures for strangulated inguinal hernias. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of the Lichtenstein and Bassini operations for strangulated groin hernias and to show the changing number of the tension-free repairs. Methods: From 1997 to 2004, the Bassini procedure was performed in 21 patients, 6 of whom underwent small intestine resection and 2 others required resection of the necrotic omentum. The strangulated intestinal loop or omentum were released in 13 cases. After the repair 1 patient died of shock caused by intestinal necrosis. Of 56 patients who underwent an emergency Lichtenstein procedure, 55 were followed-up. A small intestine resection was performed in 2 cases to correct segmental necrosis. The gangrenous omental appendix of the sigmoid colon was excised in 1 patient, and necrotic omental fragments were resected in 2 cases. The strangulated intestinal loop or omentum was released in 51 patients. All patients were given wide-spectrum antibiotics intravenously. Results: Between 1997 and 2000 tension-free procedures were performed in half of the patients undergoing emergency operation for strangulated hernia; between 2001 and 2004 such procedures were employed in more than 90% of the cases. In 2 patients we observed a small inflammatory infiltration of the wound that resolved within several days after Lichtenstein repair. A serous fluid collection was present in 2 cases. The treatment consisted of puncture and was successful in both cases. Conclusions: The use of monofilament polypropylene mesh for strangulated inguinal hernia repair is safe, and the risk of the local infectious complications is low.