[The use of prostheses in recurrent hernias].

The use of inert plastic (Prolene mesh, 0,027 inches in thickness fournited by Ethicon) as preperitoneal prosthesis in repair of incisional hernias and inguinal hernia recurrencies has been investigated in 28 patients operated upon then 1977 to 1984. In 9 patients the inguinal approach was used with one recurrence (11%). In 9 patients the posterior approach through a midline incision has been used with two recurrences (22%). In 10 patients with incisional hernias there was only one recurrence (10%). Total recurrences rate was 14%. Most recurrences occur in patients operated from 1977 to 1980 (40%). Patients operated in the last period from 1980 to 1984 had no recurrences.