[Lichtenstein's "tension-free" operation for inguinal hernia under local anesthesia]

Lichtenstein's technique for surgical cure of primary inguinal hernia using local anaesthesia is described. Since 1984, 3250 primary hernia operations were performed at the Lichtenstein Hernia Institute. There were 4 recurrences due to technical errors which are described. This tension-free technique is a reliable, simple and effective procedure. Patients return to normal activity within 2 to 14 days. Studies one 22300 operations performed by several surgeons produced similar results for post-operative recurrence and complications.