Sutureless technique: second version.

Abstract

Mesh repairs have revolutionized hernia surgery. When used to patch or plug a musculoaponeurotic abdominal wall defect, the results have been much better than traditional pure tissue repairs. The difference is simple: patch and plug techniques avoid tension on tissues. The improved sutureless repair not only avoids tissue tension, it obviates the need to suture the mesh. Fixation is achieved by intra-abdominal pressure, the same force that caused the hernia. Thorough dissection of the inguinal canal and the indirect sac is essential to avoid early failure. Whereas various repairs can be used with excellent results, there is no substitute for a complete dissection of the peritoneal sac well into the iliac fossa. The improved sutureless repair offers 2 advantages over the original version: (a) type III hernias can now be repaired without opening the canal's posterior wall, and (b) the incidence of clinically evident seroma has been reduced by 90%. Most primary and recurrent groin hernias can be repaired under local or regional anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Immediate ambulation and prompt recovery accompany this technique. Most patients resume full activity and employment by the end of the first week. The procedure is simple to learn, easy to perform and less costly than other techniques.