Mesh plug repair and groin hernia surgery.

Since the mid-1980s, dramatic progress has been made in the evolution of hernia surgery, highlighted by the increasing use of prosthetic mesh. Among the mesh-based "tension-free" hernioplasties, the use of mesh plugs has garnered a large number of spirited enthusiasts, and plug herniorrhaphy has become the fastest growing hernia repair currently employed by the American surgeon. To demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of mesh plugs, a 9-year experience with almost 3300 patients is reported. Technical details are discussed and presentation of a literature search serves to further emphasize the utilitarian nature of this elegantly unsophisticated surgical operation.