Open inguinal hernia repair (Lichtenstein)

Sample contentAn illustrative outline. It has not been clinically reviewed.

General · Foundational · 6 steps · Outline

Photo: U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Stephen Oleksiak · Public domain · Illustrative, not from this case
Written outline

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6 steps

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A tension-free mesh repair, and the three nerves you should be able to name while you do it.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Landmarks & incision

    Incision above and parallel to the inguinal ligament, from pubic tubercle laterally.

  2. 02

    External oblique opened

    Split along its fibres through the superficial ring; identify the ilioinguinal nerve.

  3. 03

    Cord mobilised

    Lift the cord at the pubic tubercle; look for the genital branch of genitofemoral.

  4. 04

    Sac managed

    Indirect sac dissected to the deep ring and reduced or ligated; direct defect inverted.

  5. 05

    Mesh shaped & fixed

    Overlap pubic tubercle by 2 cm; suture to shelving edge; tails around the cord.

  6. 06

    Layered closure

    External oblique closed over the cord; skin.

An educational outline, not a substitute for supervised clinical training or local protocols.

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