Use of a preperitoneal prosthesis for strangulated groin hernia

Abstract

Background: Prostheses are widely used in the elective treatment of adult groin hernias. Their use for strangulated hernias remains controversial because of the potential risk of sepsis.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with a strangulated groin hernia were treated by insertion of a prosthetic mesh via a midline preperitoneal approach. Nine patients needed an intestinal resection for irreversible necrosis without peritonitis, and an appendicectomy was carried out in three others.

Results: There were two postoperative wound infections, neither in patients who had an intestinal resection. No mesh had to be removed. The recurrence rate was one of 35 after mean follow-up of 4.2 years.

Conclusion: A strangulated groin hernia can be repaired safely with prosthetic mesh. When an intestinal resection is carried out with sufficient care to minimize infective complications, the use of mesh is not contraindicated.