The authors presented 115 primary Shouldice groin hernia repairs, in three layers, introducing a new variation in the transversalis fascia overlap: the iliopubic trace was the only structure included in the second suture line, thus avoiding incorporate the inguinal ligament in this set. The patients' mean age was 43 years old (16-88), with a male:female rate of 7.6: 1 and a prevalence of the right side (57.4%) and the indirect modality (59.1%) over the others. The follow up period averaged from 1 to 8 years postoperativelly and was carried out by personal examination of the patients. There was only one hematoma (0.9%) and granulomatous infection (0.9%). Two male patients showed inguinal recurrence in the first two years after surgery (1.7%) operated on at the begining of this series. Based on this data the authors achieved a low recurrence rate with this anatomically sounder modification in Shouldice operation - although slightly increased. However, it is advisable for the surgeon to be capable in performing other techniques, using prostheses and meshs, in dealing with complex and multi-recurrent abdominal wall hernias.
Inguinal canal; Suture techniques; Hernia inguinal