[Evaluation of the Bassini reconstruction principle for inguinal hernia].

In a prospective study, 100 adult male patients with clinically diagnosed inguinal hernias underwent surgery. The operation method was the Bassini repair. The operation always included splitting of the transversal fascia, that after review of the relevant literature obviously is not part of the usual applied operation technique. Therefore the "Bassini method" could be falsely afflicted with a relatively high recurrence rate. At the follow up clinical examination, performed at least 1 year after surgery, a 3.8% recurrence rate was found. It can be recommended that it should be continued to apply Bassini repair to all types of inguinal hernias. A classification of posterior inguinal wall is suggested: under poor anatomical conditions, i.e. "used" fascia transversalis and "elevated" internus muscle a three-fold risk of recurrence can be expected. In this situation the operative correction according to Bassini should be avoided and a procedure to repair or cover the defect should be performed first.