LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF AN INGUINAL-HERNIA BY PREPERITONEAL IMPLANTATION OF A PROSTHETIC MESH

We report on 250 patients with 342 inguinal hernias operated laparosco pically by preperitoneal implantation of a prosthetic mesh. 167 hernia s were indirect, 175 direct, including 92 bilateral, 71 recurrent and 4 femoral hernias. There were four major complications: two lesions of the urinary bladder, treated in one case by laparotomy and two foreig n body reactions against the mesh, which had to be removed. Two recurr ences (0.6 %) occurred during a 2-12 months follow-up. The mean hospit al stay was 4 (3-10) days. Return to full activity was possible after one week.