Background: The aim of the study was a long-term observation of primary inguinal hernia surgery treatment results.
Material and methods: An analysis of the treatment outcomes of 152 patients (142 M/10 F; 19–84 yrs, median 60) operated on for primary inguinal hernia at the SPZOZ Garwolin Hospital Surgery Ward between June 1999 and June 2001 was performed. The hernias were predominantly type II, III and IV (n = 78, 43, 27 resp.) according to the Gilbert-Rutkow classification. Elective (95%) and emergency repairs (in cases of incarceration) were performed according to the Lichtenstein (n = 78), Trabucco T4 (n = 36) and Valenti (n = 38) methods. Polypropylene multifiber Dallop PP mesh implants were used. The postoperative hospitalization ranged from 1–14 days, with a median of 3 days.
Results: The prospective follow-up lasted 13–35 months (median 24 months). Late complications were rare and included: hypertrophic scar, testicular abnormality (n = 8), spermatic cord abnormality (n = 4) and pain or paresthesias within the operated region (n = 12).
Conclusion: Even though two recurrences were observed following surgery employing Lichtenstein’s method, there was no statistical difference between the operative techniques used as to the number of complications and unfavorable treatment outcomes.