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        Short notes on open inguinal hernia repair:
 Step 1 - Transverse skin incision 1cm above inguinal ligament
 
 Step 2 - Dissect down and through Scarpas with diathermy; use self retainer
 (remember the superficial branch of inferior epigastric vein)
 
 Step 3 - Clips on external oblique, and incise a small opening in direction of fibres
 
 Step 4 - Scissors under external oblique and open to superficial ring
 
 Step 5 - Develop planes parallel to cord with blunt dissection
 
 Step 6 - Get around cord at level of pubic tubercle
 
 Step 7 - Develop planes and identify cord structures
 
 Step 8 - Peel hernia sac off cord structures towards deep ring, until at the level of pre-peritoneal fat
 
 Step 9 - Transfix base of sac with 2-0 vicryl leaving long suture tails for control, and transect, check for haemostasis and then cut stitch
 
 Step 10 - Repair direct defect by plicating transversalis if necessary
 
 Step 11 - Cut mesh and suture on to strong tissue adjacent to pubic tubercle with 2-0 prolene (other options include: Progrip mesh, PHS (Prolene Hernia System) mesh  etc)
 
 Step 12 - Use a continuous stitch from inferior border of mesh to inferior border of inguinal ligament
 
 Step 13 - Tack medial side of mesh to transversalis (2-3 interrupted sutures)
 
 Step 14 - Tack inferior border of upper leg of mesh to lower border of lower leg of mesh incorporating part of the inguinal ligament
 
 Step 15 - Close eternal oblique from lateral to medial with 2-0 vicryl maintaining a superficial ring
 
 Step 16 - Close Scarpas with 2-0 vicryl
 
 Step 17 - Close skin with 3-0 monocryl
 
 Step 18 - Check testicle is in scrotum and pull down if necessary
 
 Disclaimer: These notes are to act as an aide memoire. Different methods exist. Ensure you have the proper supervision before attempting an operation that you are not competent in.
 
 
 Author:
         Mr Edward Rawstorne MBBCH, BSc, MRCS
   | Speciality:
         Surgical Procedures
   | Date Added:
        30/03/2013
 
 
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