A survey of non-expert surgeons using the open tension-free mesh patch repair for primary inguinal hernias

Abstract

The aim of this study was to learn if general surgeons with no special interest in hernia repairs, using the open tension free repair, could achieve a degree of success comparable to that of the experts.

Materials and methods: A survey was undertaken of 72 surgeons who were known to be performing an open tension-free onlay mesh patch repair for primary inguinal hernias with no attempt to suture together the edges of the hernia defect. While several European surgeons were included, most were from the United States.

Results: There was a minimal amount of wound infection, an absence of mesh rejection when Marlex mesh was used, and a recurrence rate under 0.5% in 16,068 operations.

Conclusions: The experience of the non-experts demonstrated that excellent results were attained by surgeons who had no special interest in hernia surgery and testifies to the simplicity and reliability of the method.