A new technique for indirect inguinal hernia repair

This report concerns a preliminary study of a new technique for indirect herniorraphy, which was used in 242 patients from December 1988 through March 1991. Its main characteristics are the creation of a deep neo-inguinal ring in a more medial site, shortening of the inguinal canal by transposition of the superficial ring to the point where the inferior border of the internal oblique muscle is well represented, reinforcement of the inguinal canal by overlapping the external oblique aponeurosis in a double-breast fashion, and maintenance of the cremasteric muscle. Follow-up in our outpatient clinic was carried out at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months in 71% of our patients. There were no recurrences, except for one crural pseudo-recurrence, no mortality, and no testicular atrophy. Thirteen percent of patients had subcutaneous serous collection; 1% had hematomas; 2% temporary testicular edema; and 0.4% wound infection.