Ultra-Pro Hernia System for Repair of Primary Complex Inguinal Hernia: Should It Be the Technique of Choice?

Abstract

Purpose: The introduction of light weight three-dimension meshes into the field of inguinal hernia repair showed excellent outcomes. Ultrapro Hernia System (UHS) is one of these three-dimension meshes that allow reinforcing the pre-peritoneal space with minimal fixation. It improves the patient quality of life with rapid resumption of the daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term outcomes of open mesh repair of primary complex inguinal hernia using UHS mesh. Methods: Between November 2013 and November 2015, seventy five male patients with complex primary inguinal hernia were submitted to open inguinal hernia mesh repair using the UHS. Results: The mean age was 46.1 years. Thirty three patients had inguinoscrotal hernias, 14 with Nyhus type IIIA, 22 with Nyhus type IIIB, & 6 patients had strangulated hernias. The mean operative time was 48 minutes. No operative complications were recorded. Post-operatively, the mean VAS scale on 1 day, 1 week, & 1 month was 3.22, 1.2, & 0.3 respectively. The mean duration of oral analgesics use was 2.1 days. None of the patients reported any chronic pain at 12 months post-operatively. Two cases of superficial wound infection were recorded that were treated by oral antibiotics. No recurrence was reported during a mean follow-up period of 26 months. Conclusion: Inguinal hernia repair using UHS is an effective technique that combines the advantages of the anterior and the pre-peritoneal approaches. It improves the patient’s quality of life with minimal recurrence rates. A larger number of patients with longer follow up periods are needed to increase the validity of our results.