Prospective study of the feasibility and short-term results of the ''plug'' technique in inguinal hernia.

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the feasibility and postoperative outcome of the ''plug'' technique in inguinal hernia. One hundred and forty-six consecutive patients were operated for 151 hernias. A plug was applied in 131 cases (66.8%). The Lichtenstein technique was used in 20 cases (13.2%) because of a wide weakness of the posterior wall. Eleven (7.3%) postoperative benign complications occurred. No severe complications were observed and no patient was reoperated, The mean duration of oral analgesia was 2.7 (0-10) days, Mean durations of postoperative hospital stay, time off work and cessation of normal activities were 1.2 (0-4) days, 18.1 (1-37) days and 5.8 (1-18) days, respectively. In conclusion, the ''plug'' technique is feasible in a wide range of hernias and allows a short hospital stay and an early return to normal activity.