Open preperitoneal mesh repair of recurrent inguinal hernia

To determine the outcome of open preperitoneal mesh repair of recurrent inguinal hernia. A prospective study included 45 consecutive male patients with unilateral recurrent inguinal hernias which were repaired using a polypropylene mesh (15 x 15 cm) placed in the preperitoneal space and anchored by several sutures. All postoperative complications were minor. There were two superficial wound infections, one seroma, two hematomas, and two cases of urine retention. Follow-up was completed for all patients for a mean of 31.3 +/- A 10.8 months. No recurrences were found. One patient developed hydrocele of the distal hernial sac. None of the patients developed testicular atrophy, vaginal hydrocele, or chronic residual neuralgia. Open preperitoneal mesh repair for recurrent inguinal hernia has a low complication rate and is highly effective in preventing re-recurrence. It is easy to learn and should be the general surgeons' procedure of choice for recurrent inguinal hernia repair.