Inguinal hernia recurrence following preperitoneal Kugel patch repair.

Three hundred eighty-six preperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphies using a polypropylene Kugel patch (Davol) were performed in 355 consecutive patients by six surgeons. Variables for recurrence evaluated included age, gender, hernia type, whether the Kugel patch was placed for a primary or recurrent hernia, and the experience of the surgeon. Of 336 patients with long-term follow-up available (18 months to 63 months, median 42 months) 28 recurrences developed 1 to 48 months (mean 16 months) after 366 Kugel patch repairs (7.