Inguinal hernia repair with routine use of Marlex mesh.

An analysis of an 11 year experience with the routine use of Marlex (polypropylene) mesh reinforcement of the canal floor in both indirect and direct inguinal herniorraphy is presented. All patients in good general health were accepted regardless of their age or weight. Survey responses were obtained from a large and representative sample of this experience. The results of this series demonstrate that Marlex mesh is well tolerated in the inguinal canal and that the recurrence rates are low for both direct and indirect inguinal hernias. In particular, there were no recurrences in patients less than 60 years of age and no recurrence in patients weighing less than 185 kilograms. The average weight of patients with a recurrence was 92 kilograms and the average age was 72 years old. Several possible ways to improve the technique are discussed.