Abstract:

Since 1989, the authors have been using the Trabucco tension-free and sutureless technique for the repair of primary groin hernia with a pre-shaped mesh in more than 8,000 surgical procedures for complex and “simple” abdominal and inguinal hernias; over 4,000 cases have been considered in this study. The great majority of these procedures were performed under local anaesthesia and with a complete and careful nerve sparing. Compared to the Lichtenstein’s technique, which is currently the golden standard treatment worldwide, there are no significant differences in the observed recurrence rate (below 2%). For the Law of Pascal, the pre-shaped prosthesis developed by Trabucco remains stretched uniformly in the inguinal canal, without the need to be secured with sutures and without forming dead space, which is a cause of infections, pain, and recurrence. The main advantage of a tension-free and sutureless repair is given by the relevant reduction in postoperative chronic neuralgia, which is not an uncommon complication and, depending on its intensity, can also potentially jeopardize a patient’s work and social activities. The identification and the sparing of the three nerves of the inguinal region is of crucial importance to reduce the rate of neuralgia in the short and long term. Furthermore, the use of a local anaesthesia imposes the surgeon to properly recognize those nerves and to respect them during the repair. It goes without saying that the complete exposition of the right anatomy of inguinal canal is mandatory. The intentional section of one or more nerves, when it is not technically possible to achieve a satisfactory nerve sparing, or special tricks to create proper fenestrations (small window) on the edge of the prosthesis to prevent the scar tissue to involve the spared nerves, ensures a further reduction of the rate of neuralgia and excellent patient outcomes.

Authors:

Giampiero Campanelli, MD, Professor of Surgery, Insubria University, Varese/Como, Italy, Director , Center of Research and High Specialization for the Pathologies of Abdominal Wall and Surgical Treatment and Repair of Abdominal Hernia, Milan, Italy, President , European Hernia Society, Paris, France, Piero Giovanni Bruni, PHD, Researcher, Insubria University, Varese/Como, Italy, Consultant, Marta Cavalli, PHD, Researcher, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Consultant , Andrea Morlacchi, MD, Resident , Insubria University, Varese/Como, Italy, Resident, Center of Research and High Specialization for the Pathologies of Abdominal Wall and Surgical Treatment and Repair of Abdominal Hernia, Istituto Clinico Sant’Ambrogio , Milan, Italy

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