Recurrence after hernioplasty according to Lichtenstein: analysis of the cause
Benfatto, G.; Catania, G.; D'Antoni, S.; Benfatto, S.; Licari, V.; Basile, G.; Tenaglia, L.
Il Giornale di Chirurgia 23(11-12): 427-430
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-9005 PMID: 12652918 Document Number: 549089
The performance of surgical interventions of tension-free hernia repair has certainly reduced the recurrence rate in comparison with the previous techniques; notwithstanding this it is not uncommon to observe some recurrences also after a Lichtenstein hernia repair. The aim of this study is that to analyse the causes. In the last 2 years, 42 patients (mean age of 68 years) with recurrent hernia have been operated by Lichtenstein technique; 11 of the 42 patients had been treated before with an useful mesh hernia repair. In 8 of these patients the recurrence was produced by an insufficient medial extension of the mesh; in the other 3 patients the cause was the presence of an unrecognized indirect hernia in patients operated for a direct inguinal hernia. All the patients treated have been submitted to a 18 months time of follow-up.