Modified Halsted's operation for inguinal hernia repair: A new technique

Inguinal hernia is a frequent problem presented to surgical clinic in Iraq. Surgical treatment options for inguinal hernia are numerous, selecting the appropriate method or technique depends on different factors.

To find a new technique for open inguinal hernia repair with no recurrence even in recurrent cases, without major complications during or after surgery, and can be used even by new surgeons with little experience.

A retrospective cross sectional study conducted in the Medical City teaching hospital and Private Hospitals in Baghdad, during the period from January 1, 2000, to December 30, 2016 on convenient sample of 408 Iraqi patients with inguinal hernia. The patients were treated by modified Halsted's technique by open surgery applying polypropylene mesh. The patients were followed up through frequent visits and phone calls to assess the recurrence and complications.

No recurrence of inguinal hernia was reported after 5-10 years follow up, while 94.9% of patients reported postoperative complications commonly oedema of spermatic cord. There was a highly significant association between male gender hernia patients and post Modified Halsted operation complications (p < 0.001). A highly significant association was observed between direct hernia and post Modified Halsted operation complications (p < 0.001). The significant risk factors related to complications were anemia and collagen disease.

The modified Halsted's operation for inguinal hernia repair is effective in treatment of inguinal hernia with low recurrence and complications rate.