Mesh vs. non-mesh repair for inguinal hernias in emergency operations.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prosthetic repair has become the gold standard for elective management of inguinal hernias; however, its use in the setting of acute incarceration is still limited for fear of prosthetic-related complications, mainly infection. Thus, in this study. we conducted a comparative investigation of the outcomes of prosthetic repair vs. tissue repair in the management of incarcerated inguinal hernias.

METHODOLOGY

We retrospectively analyzed 62 patients who underwent emergency operations for incarceration of an inguinal hernia. These patients were divided into 2 groups based on the surgical procedure used: a mesh repair group (M group) and a non-mesh repair group (N group).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative complications and the mean period of post-operative hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to traditional belief, the use of a prosthetic mesh in the emergency setting is not contra-indicated. Its usage for the repair of incarcerated inguinal hernias appears to be safe and acceptable. However, when perforation of the intestine occurs due to incarceration of an inguinal hernia, prosthetic repair using hernioplasty should not be performed because of the high risk of infection.