The Lichtenstein repair in 2002: an overview of causes of recurrence after Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty

Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty began in 1984. Based on our own mistakes, in the late 1980s, we established a set of key principles and reported the causes of our recurrences. Recently, other authors analyzing the causes of their own recurrences with tension-free repair are drawing the same conclusions. This indicates that others are repeating our previously reported mistakes. To prevent recurrence, the mesh size was increased to 7.5×15 cm to extend well beyond the boundary of the inguinal floor and give the mesh a dome-shaped laxity to compensate for the increased intra-abdominal pressure and mesh shrinkage. Wide extension of the mesh beyond the inguinal floor and the dome-shaped laxity of the mesh served to further reduce recurrence rate. Following the key principles of the Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty, which can be facilitated by using a recently developed prosthesis that addresses all the key principles of the procedure, achieves the best result. Electronic Publication     

Tension-free hernioplasty in the aged. A report of 94 cases

BACKGROUND: Tension free inguinal hernioplasty has become the procedure of choice in the elderly. The operation of originally popularized by Lichtenstein and Shulman gives the best early result with low complication rates. METHODS: Between January 1991 and December 1996, 94 subjects over 70 with inguinal hernia were submitted to hernioplasty. The tension-free technique was adopted utilizing a polypropylene mesh. Peridural anesthesia was the method used in 67 procedures, local anesthesia in 27 procedures. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 48 hours (short stay surgery). Noteworthy general complications were not observed. Superficial wound infection occurred in 2 patients; superficial skin hematoma in 4 patients. No recurrences were observed (mean follow-up 60 months). The primary inguinal hernias in the aged is due to a progressive deterioration of the inguinal floor (collagenolylis, overpowers net collagen synthesis and deposition in the floor of the inguinal canal). CONCLUSIONS: Tension-free inguinal hernioplasty, originally popularized by Lichtenstein and Shulman, is simple to perform and gives excellent results with low complication rates. Current evidence suggests it as operation of choice in the elderly.     

Experience with the Trabucco tension-free sutureless inguinal hernioplasty

Summary We report a method of hernioplasty by a tension-free, sutureless mesh technique that replaces any deficient transversalis fascia of the groin with a strong preshaped mesh prosthesis. In 962 inguinal and femoral hernioplasties performed between 1993 and 1999 there have so far been no recurrences.     

Concurrent radical retropubic prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair through a modified Pfannenstiel incision

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for concurrent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and inguinal hernioplasty, using a modified Pfannenstiel incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RRP is usually done through a midline lower abdominal incision but some patients with localized prostate cancer have an inguinal hernia. Concurrent inguinal hernia repair at the time of RRP with the usual method is only possible by either a preperitoneal mesh repair or formal hernioplasty, requiring an additional incision(s). A 10-12 cm Pfannenstiel incision is made along the pubic hairline centred over the pubic symphysis, and a 'Y'-shaped incision in the rectus sheath. The rectus muscle is split vertically along the midline, followed by RRP. After removing the prostate and completing the anastomosis, the surgeon identifies the inguinal canal along the inferior and lateral aspect of the transverse incision and uses a formal tension-free hernioplasty with a 3 x 5 cm polypropylene mesh. We used this technique in fifteen concurrent inguinal hernioplasties (two bilateral hernias and thirteen unilateral) at the time of RRP, with no additional incisions, using the formal tension-free Lichtenstein technique. One patient with bilateral hernias had a right indirect inguinal hernia, and all the remaining men had a direct inguinal hernia. RESULTS: All patients were discharged 2 days after surgery, with no complications associated with the procedure and no recurrences; however, the follow-up was short (mean 5.5 months). CONCLUSION: A modified Pfannenstiel incision is ideal for concurrent RRP and inguinal hernioplasty, providing excellent exposure of the pelvic structures and allowing the surgeon to use a formal tension-free mesh hernioplasty through the same incision. Wound healing and cosmetic results are excellent.     

Study of recurrences after anterior open tension-free hernioplasty

Summary The anterior open tension-free hernioplasty popularized by the Lichtenstein group has gained world-wide acceptance and popularity. As described by the same group, utilization of a small sheet of mesh and failure to overlap the mesh with the pubic tubercle can lead to recurrence of the hernia. However, recurrence through the internal ring has not been reported. We report three recurrences from the internal ring area after open tension-free hernioplasty. The cause is discussed and the importance of making a mesh shutter mechanism at the internal ring in order to prevent indirect recurrence, is emphasized.     

轻量网片对于无张力疝修补术后慢性疼痛的影响(超普网片与传统聚丙烯网片的比较)

目的比较轻量网片(UltraPro超普)和传统聚丙烯网片对疝修补术后慢性疼痛的影响。方法采用单盲法,对60例原发双侧腹股沟疝患者,实施Lichtenstein平片无张力疝修补术,一次性治疗双侧腹股沟疝,术中随机选取超普网片与聚丙烯网片分别植入患者双侧腹股沟区。在术后1、3、6、12个月进行随访,对比两侧腹股沟区的疼痛感。结果相对于传统聚丙烯网片,超普网片在术后3个月和6个月时慢性疼痛的发生率低,疼痛的程度更轻。结论超普网片可以减轻短期内(1年内)的慢性疼痛感,从而改善患者生活质量。     

Tension-free hernioplasty in primary inguinal hernia. A series of 2054 cases

Summary This was a prospective study to analyze the results of tension-free hernioplasty in a center no specially dedicated to hernia surgery. We reviewed data of 1761 patients with 2111 primary hernias. Tension-free hernioplasty (Lichtenstein procedure) was performed in 2054 hernias and herniorrhaphy i (Marcy or Bassini repair) in 57. Loco-regional anesthesia was used in 65% of the patients. The most common complication was hematoma of the wound (1.6%). There was a very low rate of wound infection (0.1%) and in no case was necessary to remove the prosthesis. Median follow-up was 5 years. There were 5 recurrences in the Lichtenstein procedures (0.24%). Three were at the pubic tubercle and two were a disruption of the lower edge of the mesh from the inguinal ligament. All of these were at the beginning of the series.Tension-free hernioplasty is a very simple and safe method, easy to reproduce and with excellent results.     

Recurrence and complications after laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair: results of a prospective randomized multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective randomized multicenter trial was to evaluate the recurrence rates and complications of open versus laparoscopic repairs of inguinal hernias. METHODS: Patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernias were randomized to Shouldice repair, Bassini operation, tension-free hernioplasty (Lichtenstein repair), laparoscopic transabdominal extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP), or laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP). The primary outcome parameter was the rate of recurrence at 3 years. The secondary outcome was the rate of intraoperative, perioperative, and long-term complications. Follow-up comprised of clinical examination after 1, 2, and 3 years. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to one of the five procedures. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that the cumulative 3-year recurrence rate was 3.4% in the Bassini group, 4.7% in the Shouldice group, 0% in the Lichtenstein group, 4.7% in the TAPP group, and 5.9% in the TEP group (p = 0.48). Comparing open (Bassini, Shouldice, Lichtenstein) versus laparoscopic (TAPP, TEP) techniques (p = 0.29) and comparing the use of mesh prostheses (Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP) versus suturing techniques (Bassini, Shouldice) (p = 0.74) showed no significance in the rate of recurrence. The rates of intraoperative (p = 0.15), perioperative (p = 0.09), and long-term complications (p = 0.13) were without significance between the five groups. Comparing mesh techniques (Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP) versus suturing techniques (Bassini, Shouldice) showed no significance in the rate of complications. The per-protocol analysis for the comparison of mesh (Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP) versus suturing (Bassini, Shouldice) techniques revealed that recurrences (p = 0.74), intraoperative (p = 0.64), perioperative (p = 0.27), and long-term complications (p = 0.91) were evenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter study, no significant difference in the recurrence rate and complications between laparoscopic and open methods of hernia repair was revealed.     

Tension free hernioplasty in the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia. Our experience

BACKGROUND: Despite the new surgical approach with "tension free" techniques, recurrent inguinal hernia repair remains a difficult surgical problem. METHODS: Personal experience in 61 cases of recurrent inguinal hernia is reported; in all patients a new hernioplasty with a "tension free" technique was performed. Medium follow-up of the study was 27 months (min 6 mm, max 56 mm); 3 recurrences were observed, 2 in Lichtenstein "plug" hernioplasty and 1 with the Trabucco technique. RESULTS: No recurrences were observed in Lichtenstein "mesh" hernioplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Lichtenstein "mesh" hernioplasty can solve every anatomical situation in hernia recurrence and good results, with little or any complications, are achievable; "plug" technique is easier but recurrences in other sites of a weak inguinal wall are possible.     

The effects of different hernia repair methods on postoperative pain medication and CRP levels

Although tension-free techniques of hernia repair using synthetic meshes have yielded encouraging results, the best method of inguinal hernia repair is still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the responses of inflammatory mediators and postoperative pain relief following laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernioplasty, open tension-free mesh hernioplasty (Lichtenstein), posterior preperitoneal mesh hernioplasty (Nyhus procedure), and Bassini procedure. Patients with primary inguinal hernia were randomized in the operating room to undergo one of these repair techniques. Group I comprised 24 patients treated by Lichtenstein procedure; Group II comprised 21 patients treated by Nyhus procedure; Group III comprised 19 patients treated by Bassini procedure; and Group IV comprised 20 patients treated by laparoscopic TEP mesh hernioplasty. Postoperative pain levels following hernia repair were compared by measuring the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) during the 24 hours after surgery. Serum samples withdrawn before surgery and 48 hours after surgery were assayed for C-reactive protein (CRP) content. Patient characteristics, operating time, and operative and early complications were noted. Serum CRP levels rose markedly following Nyhus (184.5 +/- 41.6 mg/L), Lichtenstein (138.4 +/- 72.5 mg/L), and Bassini repair (137.2 +/- 55.9 mg/L) compared with that of patients who underwent TEP mesh hernioplasty (55.5 +/- 41.2 mg/L). There were also significant differences in the postoperative need for analgesics via PCA among patients undergoing Nyhus (382.9 +/- 189.1 mg), Bassini (303.2 +/- 173.7 mg), and Lichtenstein (253.9 +/- 129.3) procedures compared with 196.6 +/- 148.8 mg for the TEP mesh hernioplasty group. Patients in the Lichtenstein group also had significantly less need of analgesics than those in the Nyhus and Bassini groups. In conclusion, TEP mesh hernioplasty is less traumatic and yields less postoperative pain than the Nyhus, Lichtenstein, and Bassini procedures.     

Chronic groin pain following lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty for inguinal hernia. Is it a myth?

Background  

The Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty is currently the most popular operative technique for open repair of inguinal hernia. The incidence of chronic groin pain (CGP) following this procedure is reported to be high. However, since our experience did not support this observation, this study was undertaken at our centre, to assess the incidence of CGP following Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty.     

Lichtenstein疝修补术治疗长期使用抗凝药物的老年腹股沟疝病人的临床观察

目的 研究李金斯坦无张力疝修补术治疗长期使用抗凝药物的老年腹股沟疝病人的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年12月间，中山大学附属第八医院胃肠外科使用Lichtenstein无张力疝修补术在局部浸润麻醉下治疗108例长期使用抗凝药物的老年男性病人的临床资料。结果 本组病人围手术期无死亡，无严重并发症出现，手术时间50~105 min，术中出血5~20 mL，血氧饱和度均正常，术后病人给予普食，未出现尿潴留。有8例患者出现血清肿，其中5例予以抽吸后好转，无切口感染。术中血压上升有12例，心率增快有10例。术中出现疼痛共16例。术后 6 h、12 h、24 h的疼痛评分（视觉模拟评分法）分在3分以下。术后慢性疼痛、感觉异常有2例。结论 长期使用抗凝药物的老年腹股沟病人局麻下行李金斯坦无张力疝修补术，安全有效，并发症少，病人术后恢复快。     

Lichtenstein疝修补术治疗长期使用抗凝药物的老年腹股沟疝病人的临床观察

目的 研究李金斯坦无张力疝修补术治疗长期使用抗凝药物的老年腹股沟疝病人的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年12月间,中山大学附属第八医院胃肠外科使用Lichtenstein无张力疝修补术在局部浸润麻醉下治疗108例长期使用抗凝药物的老年男性病人的临床资料。结果 本组病人围手术期无死亡,无严重并发症出现,手术时间50~105 min,术中出血5~20 mL,血氧饱和度均正常,术后病人给予普食,未出现尿潴留。有8例患者出现血清肿,其中5例予以抽吸后好转,无切口感染。术中血压上升有12例,心率增快有10例。术中出现疼痛共16例。术后 6 h、12 h、24 h的疼痛评分（视觉模拟评分法）分在3分以下。术后慢性疼痛、感觉异常有2例。结论 长期使用抗凝药物的老年腹股沟病人局麻下行李金斯坦无张力疝修补术,安全有效,并发症少,病人术后恢复快。     

Simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernias: a prospective, randomized study of open, tension-free versus laparoscopic approach

No randomized trial exists that specifically addresses the issue of laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair. The purpose of the present prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical study was to assess short- and long-term results when comparing simultaneous bilateral hernia repair by an open, tension-free anterior approach with laparoscopic "bikini mesh" posterior repair. Forty-three low-risk male patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernia were randomly assigned to undergo either laparoscopic preperitoneal "bikini mesh" hernia repair (TAPP) or open Lichtenstein hernioplasty. There was no difference in operating time between the two groups. The mean cost of laparoscopic hernioplasty was higher (P < 0.001). The intensity of postoperative pain was greater in the open hernia repair group at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.001), with a greater consumption of pain medication among these patients (P < 0.05). The median time to return to work was 30 days for the open hernia repair group and 16 days for the laparoscopic "bikini mesh" repair group (P < 0.05). Only 1 asymptomatic recurrence (4.3%) was discovered in the open group. The laparoscopic approach to bilateral hernia with "bikini mesh" appears to be preferable to the open Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty in terms of the postoperative quality of life and interruption of occupational activity.     

无张力疝修补术疗效分析

目的通过对Lichtenstein、疝环充填式、PHS三种无张力疝修补手术方式、术后复发率以及并发症发生率等方面进行比较，寻找一种易于掌握，疗效确切的术式。方法对我院自2002年2月至2007年12月463例实施无张力疝修补术患者的临床资料进行回顾性地分析。结果所有患者均行无张力疝修补术，根据手术方式分为叁组：聚丙烯材质充填式组（218例），膨体聚四氟乙烯平片组（221例），普理灵疝补片（PHS）组（24例）。术后复发率：聚丙烯材质充填式组为0．5％（1／218），膨体聚四氟乙烯平片组为0．5％（1／221），PHS组为0（0／24），三组差异无显著性。术后疼痛发生率：聚丙烯材质充填式组为9．0％（19／218），膨体聚四氟乙烯平片组为4．0％（9／221），PHS组为4．0％（1／24），聚丙烯材质充填式组与膨体聚四氟乙烯平片组和PHS组差异显著，有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。术后阴囊血肿发生率：聚丙烯材质充填式组为1．8％（4／218），膨体聚四氟乙烯平片组为2．0％（5／221），PHS组为4．0％（2／24），PHS组与聚丙烯材质充填式组和膨体聚四氟乙烯平片组差异，有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论膨体聚四氟乙烯平片无张力疝修补术是一种疗效确切，术后并发较少，适宜广泛推广的一种术式。     

New technique for inguinal hernia repair

We compared a new fascia transversalis based hernioplasty with mesh repair techniques which leave the fascia transversalis intact. We prospectively randomized 180 consecutive patients with inguinal hernia to undergo one of the three hernia repair techniques. Hernias were repaired either by using the new fascia transversalis repair—Coskuns hernia repair (FTR), based on the plication of fascia using continuous sutures and followed by a second layer of interrupted or continuous sutures between inguinal ligament and conjoint tendon to distribute the tension, or one of the two mesh repair techniques: anterior (Lichtenstein) or posterior (preperitoneal) repair. Parameters such as age, sex, hernia cause, operation time, type of anesthesia, surgeons seniority, complications, hospital stay and follow-up were evaluated. Recurrence rates were determined through clinical examination. Effect of prostatism, co-morbid disease, operation time, complications and Nyhus type of hernia on recurrences were also analysed. Most patients in each group were operated on under general anesthesia (78% vs. 80% vs. 85% for FTR, Lichtenstein, and preperitoneal repair, respectively) and by surgeons in training (average 78%). Patients were followed up for a median of 36 months. FTR had less complications and an acceptable time for operation whereas preperitoneal repairs needed more seniority, longer operation time, and caused more complications. There were only 3 (1.6%) recurrences, none in the FTR group and two the in Lichtenstein group during first postoperative year. There was no recurrence in preperitoneal repair group. All patients with recurrences had an operation time longer than 60 min and were operated on by surgeons in training. Two patients with recurrences had prostatism symptoms and chronic cough. We conclude that the new FTR is as effective as mesh repair (either anterior or posterior) with an acceptable rate of recurrences, fewer complications, and that it can be performed by the surgeons in training.     

不同修补方式治疗腹股沟疝的临床疗效

目的对比腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术（laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal,TEP）与平片式无张力疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2015年5月至2017年5月,福建医科大学附属漳州市医院127例腹股沟疝患者的临床资料。按照手术方式不同分为2组,行TEP术式患者68例（TEP组）,行平片式无张力疝修补术患者59例（平片式组）。比较2组患者术中情况、术后恢复、并发症以及复发率,并评价2种修补手术的疗效及安全性。 结果TEP组的手术时间、术中出血量、术后进食时间、下床时间以及恢复正常活动所需时间均明显低于平片式组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。2组的住院时间、并发症的发生率以及术后复发率比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论TEP治疗腹股沟疝具有手术时间短、创伤小、术后恢复快的优点,值得临床推广与应用。     

Chronic groin sepsis following tension-free inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND: Chronic groin sepsis requiring mesh removal is said to be a rare complication of tension-free inguinal hernioplasty. The aim of this study was to determine the number of surgeons performing tension-free inguinal hernioplasty in the West of Scotland and assess the frequency with which chronic groin sepsis was encountered. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all consultant surgeons performing inguinal hernia repair in the region and follow-up of patients with chronic groin sepsis following tension-free inguinal hernioplasty was undertaken. RESULTS: Of 80 consultants who replied to the questionnaire, 79 were performing tension-free hernioplasty. Of these, 76 were performing only open repairs while three were also undertaking laparoscopic repairs. Sixteen consultants reported 20 patients with groin sepsis after mesh repair. Twelve patients were traced; eight had chronic sinuses and four had groin abscesses. The median interval between repair and presentation was 4 months (range from 2 weeks to 39 months). All have required complete (11 patients) or partial (one) removal of mesh to resolve the symptoms. CONCLUSION: Tension-free inguinal hernioplasty has become the operation of choice for surgeons in the region. Chronic groin sepsis may be more frequent than reported previously. Complete removal of mesh is required to treat this condition.     

猪小肠黏膜下层脱细胞基质补片在不同术式治疗青壮年腹股沟疝中的应用效果

目的:探讨猪小肠黏膜下层脱细胞基质(SIS)补片用于腹腔镜经腹腹膜前(TAPP)疝修补术与开放无张力疝修补术(Lichtenstein手术)治疗青壮年腹股沟疝临床效果。方法:回顾性分析2015年2月—2018年2月期间首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院疝和腹壁外科采用SIS补片行疝修补术的268例青壮年腹股沟疝的患者临床资料,其中152例行Lichtenstein手术(Lichtenstein组),116例行TAPP手术(TAPP)。比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果:Lichtenstein组手术时间、住院费用明显少于TAPP组,但围术期疼痛评分明显高于TAPP组(均P0.05);两组在术中出血量、住院时间方面差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05)。Lichtenstein组术后1周及1、3个月血清肿的发生率均低于TAPP组(均P0.05)。所有患者均未发生异物感、肠梗阻、肠瘘等并发症。结论:SIS补片应用于青壮年腹股沟疝的开放和腹腔镜疝修补术均有确切的效果,但该补片用于两种术式均有各自的优缺点。     

超声检查在腹股沟疝围手术期的应用价值

目的 探讨超声检查对腹股沟疝手术前后评估的价值.方法 对30例32侧腹股沟疝患者于手术前后进行超声检查.术前观察内环位置、腹股沟管内径改变、疝囊大小及内容物并对腹股沟疝类型进行分类;术后观察补片位置、大小、形态及生物补片与四周组织的融合情况.结果 在32例侧中,有20个斜疝、4个直疝、3个股疝术前的超声诊断与手术结果相符.术后1个月内超声检查发现,其中28个手术部位可探及正常生物补片、未见其他异常回声,2个见补片外血肿,1个见补片外复发疝及1个补片变形.结论 在腹股沟疝手术前,通过超声检查能为临床医生提供腹股沟疝形态的详细参考数据并为腹股沟疝分类,为临床医生选择适合患者个体的生物补片提供了重要的客观依据.在腹股沟疝手术后,超声检查能观察生物补片的形态、位置及有无发生其他并发症.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the use of ultrasonography befor and after inguinal hernioplasty.Methods In 30 patients, 32 inguinal hernias were submitted to tension-free inguinal hernioplasty,ultrasonography was applied before the surgery and after one mother. Ultrasonography revealed the character of the hernia before the surgery and observed the situation of the mesh after the surgery.Results Diagnostic ultrasound detected 20 inguinal hernias,4 direct hernias, and 3 femoral hernias which were consistent with intraoperative findings. We identified 2 seromas, 1 recurrence of hernia and 1 folding mesh after hernia repair. Conclusion Ultrasonography is a useful examination in preoperative assessing inguinal hernia and demonstrating postoperative complications associated with mesh.