INGUINAL HERNIORRHAPHY - REDUCED MORBIDITY, RECURRENCES, AND COSTS

Costs, morbidity, and recurrences have been reduced in the repair of inguinal hernias. In 18 months 135 repairs were done using local anesthetics, prompt ambulation, and minor variations in the Shouldice technic. Men and women aged 22 to 84 years were operated upon. No recurrences have been reported, and urinary catheterization has not been necessary. Significant savings are available by abbreviated hospital stay. The majority of patients require only 24 hours for repair of a unilateral inguinal hernia and the observation period following it. The same basic repair is used for direct and indirect sliding hernias. Rebuilding the floor of the inguinal canal is essential. Postoperative pain has been minimal. Use of long-acting local anesthetics has proven helpful. © 1979 Southern Medical Association.