Inguinal hernia repair: an experimental model in the rat to evaluate technical factors

An experimental model in the rat has been developed that we believe simulates the situation in inguinal hernia. Using this model, the bursting strength of wounds made by approximating uninjured fascia were compared with wounds made by apposing either incised fascia or the raw edges left after excising fascia. The strongest healing resulted when raw edges were apposed and when continuous sutures were used. We believe that these studies give support the use of Shouldice's hernia repair.