A technique for hernia repair.

After Ryan reported a low recurrence rate in a large series of patients with recurrent inguinal and femoral hernia who were operated upon by a technique developed by Shouldice and later improved, an adaptation of the method was used in a number of difficult cases. In the dissection technique, the transversalis fascia is completely transected from the internal ring to the pubic spine. This exposes a fascial layer which has never before been described as being intentionally used in hernia repair. The method of imbrication with steel wire for suturing also differs from the methods most often used. Use of local anesthesia is another important part of the technique as a whole.