[The plug and patch repair for managing the inguinal hernia of the adult].

The basic principles of the Plug and Patch Repair of inguinal hernia are positioning of a prolene plug behind the internal ring in combination with a prolene onlay patch on the fascia transversalis. From July 1994 until December 1996 243 inguinal hernias were operated in this technique in a consecutive series of 221 patients. There were 211 primary and 32 recurrent hernias. 187 operations were performed in local anesthesia and 34 patients wished general anesthesia. No intraoperative complications were noted. The average operation time was 36 +/- 14 minutes. Postoperative complications were 8 subcutaneous hematomas and 1 superficial wound infection, which healed spontaneously. The average stay in hospital was 2 +/- 2 days and the patients returned to work after 17 +/- 11 days. Patients' self assessment of postoperative pain and limitations of daily activities revealed an excellent comfort. The follow-up rate is 97% and no late complications were observed after a median follow-up time of 21 months. The Plug and Patch technique is a very promising procedure for inguinal hernia repair in adults.