RECURRENT INGUINAL-HERNIA - PROPOSED CLAS SIFICATION AND SURGICAL STRATEGY

We reviewed 1005 cases of groin hernia in 932 patients including 113 r ecurrent hernias. Eighty-seven percent of the patients were seen again one year after surgery for an evaluation of technique, results and co mplications. The data obtained was used to propose a simple anatomocli nical classification into three types which could be used to orient su rgical strategy. Type R1 includes first relapse oblique external reduc able hernia of less than 2 cm in non-obese patients : the Lichtenstine -gilbert technique is indicated. Type R2 includes inferior, direct red ucable first relapse hernia of less than 2 cm in non-obese patients : the Wantz-Trabucco technique is indicated. Type R3 includes all the ot her forms : the Stoppa technique, or alternatively laparoscopy, is pro posed.