Shouldice hernia repair--a five year audit.

A retrospective clinical follow-up study of 96 inguinal hernia repairs by a general surgeon over a period of five and a half years using the same method of repair is discussed here with results of follow-up, post-operative complications and recurrence rates. The period of follow-up ranges from one month to five and a half years and no case of inguinal recurrence has so far been reported. One femoral recurrence was reported and its possible link to the Shouldice methodology is discussed. The average length of hospital stay has decreased over the five and a half year period.