The Shouldice technique: a canon in hernia repair
Bendavid, R.
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien de Chirurgie 40(3): 199-205; 207
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-428X PMID: 9194781 Document Number: 475713
Controversy exists on the merits of the various approaches to inguinal repair. Evolution of the classic open repair has culminated in the Shouldice repair. Challenges from newcomers, namely, tension-free repair and laparoscopy, are being examined. These two techniques have a number of disadvantages: the presence of foreign bodies (prostheses) and their implication in cases of infection; the cost of prosthetic material, which is no longer negligible (particularly with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene); and problems of safety in that the laparoscopic approach is no longer a dependable asset except in the hands of a highly specialized and dextrous operator. Still, complications occur with laparoscopic repair that should not be associated with a surgical procedure that is considered benign, safe and cost-effective. Surgeons must recognize the pertinent facts and decide according to their conscience which method of repair to use.