Recurrence of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty: the use of the polypropylene mesh plug

Background - The Lichtenstein hernia repair is considered the gold-standard treatment for inguinal hernias in the last two decades. It is tension-free technique and present the smallest published recurrence rates. The treatment after Lichtenstein recurrence is controversial. Aim - To show the results after the use polypropylene mesh plug in this condition. Methods - Among the total of 649 hernioplasties using Lichtenstein technique from August, 1994 to October, 2006, the authors present 5 cases of recurrence (0,77%), all males, from 42 to 68 years old, being 4 (80%) on the right side and 1 (20%) on left. The technical option was to perform an inguinotomy on the previous incision; defect wall dissection; identification and reduction of the peritoneal sac to the pre-peritoneal space; introduction and fixation of a polypropylene mesh plug into the defect. Results - In 4 cases the recurrence occurred between the previous mesh and the pubic tubercle, secondary to the inadequate mesh fixation or an insufficient mesh size (direct inguinal hernia) and in 1 case (20%) it was near to the internal inguinal ring, left very large (indirect inguinal hernia). No post-operative complication was related with this mesh plug, neither recurrences in long follow-up. Conclusion - A mesh plug repair in Lichtenstein recurrences permits adequate, safe and effective re-operation without the need to remove the mesh previously used with very low complication rate.