tensionfree

Tension-free describes a surgical principle in which tissue defects are repaired without placing sutures and edges under significant mechanical stress. The approach commonly relies on prosthetic materials or grafts to bridge or reinforce the defect, allowing tissue to heal with reduced pull and strain.

The term is widely used in general and vascular surgery, especially in hernia repair and urogynecologic procedures. In inguinal hernia repair, the Lichtenstein tension-free technique uses a mesh to reinforce the weakened area rather than stitching tissues under tension. Similar tension-free mesh repairs are used for other abdominal wall hernias. In pelvic floor surgery, tension-free slings or meshes may be employed to support the bladder or urethra in cases of stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Benefits of tension-free methods include lower recurrence rates and reduced postoperative pain compared with tissue-approximation techniques. However, risks associated with implanted materials exist, including infection, erosion, chronic pain, and foreign body reactions. Device-related complications require careful patient selection, meticulous technique, and appropriate follow-up, and regulatory guidance varies by country.

History and terminology: The concept matured in the late 20th century with the introduction of mesh-based repair techniques. The phrase “tension-free” is standard in medical literature, while “tensionfree” as a single word is uncommon in professional usage.