Anterior rectus sheath repair for inguinal hernia.

Fifty-four patients over the age of 40, with direct inguinal hernias were studied. Thirty-two of them underwent operation with the anterior rectus sheath flap, and 22 patients in whom the hernias were repaired by the method described by Bassini served as the control group. We could not demonstrate any significant difference between the two groups in regard to length of hospital stay, complications, and recurrence rate. There was only one recurrence in the rectus flap group. Anterior rectus sheath repair proved to be easy to perform and comfortable for the patient.