The management of recurrent inguinal hernia remains an area of concern, with the choice of surgical repair dictated by the primary repair performed. The principle of management is that if an anterior approach is performed, then the recurrence is repaired with a posterior approach, and vice versa. The aim here is to repair the hernia in a clean, adhesion-free anatomical plane. The common approaches include the laparoscopic repairs, like the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal (TEP). The open pre-peritoneal repair can also be performed for recurrent inguinal hernias. In this review, we will investigate the various surgical procedures that are performed for recurrent inguinal hernias and the risk factors for recurrence.

The open mesh-based inguinal hernia repairs are now the most common hernia repair techniques and have replaced the suture-based repairs. Lichtenstein repair is the most common repair technique as it has a short learning curve and can be performed under local anesthesia. It is associated with reduced postoperative morbidity, and it has the lowest recurrence rate. The Plug and Patch and the Prolene hernia system are alternative open mesh-based repairs that can be performed for open inguinal hernia repair. In this review, we will look at the Lichtenstein repair, the Plug and Patch repair, and the Prolene hernia system, looking at the indications and complications. We will also compare these procedures regarding their postoperative complications and recurrence rates.