Closer to an ideal solution for inguinal hernia repair: comparison between general surgeons and hernia specialists

Abstract

Background: It is accepted a priori that specialists of hernia surgery have better results than general surgeons who use the same or different techniques as part of their complete surgical repertoire.

Methods: Results of general surgeons trained in the technique of hernia repair using a bilayer connected mesh device (BCMD) was compared to results of specialists and other general surgeons who used other techniques.

Results: One report from hernia specialists and three additional reports from trained general surgeons showed similar results using a BCMD. These results were better than results of all other mesh repairs.

Discussion: This study shows the value of surgeon-training as well as the value in the design of a particular mesh device for hernia repair. The three components of this device offer three separate, yet connected, barriers to the formation of a recurrent hernia.

Conclusion: General surgeons trained to use a bilayer mesh device repeatedly duplicated the results of specialists who used it.