The effect of polypropylene mesh on the ilioinguinal nerve in open mesh repair of groin hernia

Abstract

Open or laparoscopic mesh repair of groin hernia is one of the most common elective operations performed by general surgeons. Because of low recurrence rates, the concept of tension-free mesh repair methods has gained wide acceptance. The development of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair is a well-known long-term complication, with the reported frequency of pain varying from 0% to 37% [1-11]. Some studies have reported a lower incidence of pain, 2-2.5%, after laparoscopic hernia repair than after open mesh repair [3, 4, 8, 11-15]. The complaint of chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair can continue for months or even years. Several risk factors associated with this have been identified, including recurrent hernia repair, the patient's insurance status, day surgery, patient age less than 60 years, intensity of early postoperative pain, experience of the surgeon, and type of surgical procedure used [3, 6, 9, 16]. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.