[16-year experience with one-day surgery inguinal hernia repair].

AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of inguinal hernia repair techniques and results.

MATERIAL: Study group consist of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair between 1990-1998 326 patients (305 men, 21 women, mean age 45.5 yrs), and between 1999-2006 693 patients (662 men, 31 women, mean age 48.5 yrs).

METHOD: Inguinal hernia repair techniques and anesthesia: 1990-1998: Bassini--234 (47.7%), Girard--52 (15.9%), Shouldice--36 (11.8%), PHS--2 (0.6%); general anesthesia--140 (430%), spinal anesthesia--186 (57%), 1999-2006: Lichtestein--207 (30.0%). Robbins-Rutkow--299 (43.1%), PHS--148 (21.3%), Shouldice--39 (5.6%); general anesthesia--28 (4%), spinal anesthesia--665 (96%).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 1. The use of synthetic mesh significant reduces inguinal hernia recurrences. 2. Returning to normal daily activities within short time after surgery. 3. The use of lowered doses of analgesics after surgery. 3. The use of lowered doses of analgesics after surgery. 4. After the use of synthetic hernia mesh the number of wound infections, hametaomas or seromas did not increase. 5. There were no differences in the intensity of postoperative pain related to synthetic mesh used. Inguinal hernia repair-management diagram. 1. Patients operated on through one-day surgery. 2. Hospital stay--12 hours. 3. Spinal anaesthesia. 4. The administration of antibiotic prophylaxis for elective inguinal hernia repair cannot be universally recommended. 5. We prefer Lichtenstein repair ("gold standard"). 6. Patient fully ambulated 4-6 hours after surgery. 7. Returning to normal daily activities after 2 weeks.