Abstract

LOPEZ RODRIGUEZ, Pedro et al. Femoral Hernia. Ten years of experience in using the Lichtenstein Plug Technique. Rev Cubana Cir [online]. 2012, vol.51, n.3, pp. 211-216. ISSN 0034-7493.

Introduction: many technical procedures have been developed to repair femoral hernia. Since 1989, the Lichtenstein Plug technique has allowed lower rates of post operative complications and recurrence as well an earlier recovery of the daily life activities of the patients. This technique, widely known in elective surgery, can also be performed in the emergency surgery. Objective: to assess the experience of our basic working team in the surgical treatment of the femoral hernia through this technique. Methods: a retrospective, descriptive and observational study was conducted by our basic working team from the surgery service at "Dr. Enrique Cabrera" General Teaching Hospital from 2001 to 2010, which covered the patients who underwent surgical repair of femoral hernia through the Lichtenstein Plug technique. The anatomical variants of the hernias as well as the postoperative complications and the clinical progress were studied. Results: the mean age of the patients were 58.7 years old, (19-92 years), with prevalence of females (78 %). The most frequent location of hernias was on the right (67.5 %). Polypropylene reticular mesh was the most commonly used. Local anaesthesia was applied in 29 patients (63 %), and the mean surgical time was 25 minutes (15-65 minutes). The average length of stay at hospital was less than 24 hours. Just one patient developed wound sepsis and herniary recurrence. Conclusions: the Lichtenstein Plug procedure should be regarded as a choice in treating femoral hernia.

Keywords : femoral hernia; polypropylene mesh; Lichtenstein Plug technique.