Management of recurrent hernias with two parallel rows of four-layer fascioplasty

A hundred and fifty-two patients with recurrent inguinal hernias, 10 females and 142 males seen over a ten-year period have been reported. The patients, none of whom were earlier seen or operated on by the author were managed with two parallel rows of four-layer fascioplasty held with nonabsorbable Astralen sutures. The complications which may arise from the method applied were reviewed. The recurrence rate in advanced countries ranges between 7% and 30% for all types of inguinal hernias, but in Nigeria is higher. The author does not claim that recurrence cannot occur with this method but he has not recorded any. The technique has also alleviated the fears of many and removed the social problems of having just one testis, an important factor in this environment.