Most tension-free hernia repair techniques achieve 0.1%-0.4% recurrence rates in patients with primary hernias. Currently, the Lichtenstein technique is considered to be the criterion standard. The Prolene Hernia System (PHS) is a recently introduced hernia-repair device that combines three proven mechanisms of action. We retrospectively reviewed early and late complications in 250 patients who underwent inguinal hernioplasties - 125 performed with the Lichtenstein technique and 125 performed with the PHS - from March 1998-October 2002. Patients who underwent Lichtenstein hernia repair had nine complications, and those who underwent PHS surgery had only two; none of the complications were serious. Older male patients who underwent Lichtenstein hernia repair were more likely to have complications (P = 0.04). One patient in the Lichtenstein group had a recurrence of his hernia, but there were no recurrences in the PHS group. In conclusion, the results of inguinal hernioplasties performed with the PHS are comparable to those achieved with Lichtenstein hernia repair, the criterion standard technique. © Springer-Verlag 2003.
