Overnight hernia repair: updated considerations.

Since 1976 we have repaired 2,325 inguinal or femoral hernias in 1,517 patients; 90% of these patients were admitted on the morning of surgery, and 91% were discharged the day after surgery. To better address the problem of declining strength in repaired tissues, we now use onlay or underlay grafts of synthetic material to enhance each repair. During the past year, 283 cases were done adding Marlex mesh. We have seen no infection or graft rejection in this group, though a few patients had a seroma needing aspiration. Ninety-five percent of these 1,517 patients had returned to their usual work or activity by the end of the first postoperative week. While a sound and lasting repair is the primary concern, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness continue to be valuable by-products of this procedure.