Inguinal herniorrhaphy

Abstract

For a patient undergoing inguinal hernia repair, preoperative voiding to decompress the bladder is essential. In elderly male patients or others in whom there is a concern for prostatic hypertrophy and bladder outlet obstruction, urinary catheterization may be performed. For open repairs, either monitored anesthesia combined with local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia may be used with good results. A general anesthetic is necessary for laparoscopic cases. For open operations, the arms may be placed abducted laterally, while in laparoscopic cases, the arms can be tucked. The hair including pubic hair around the operative site should be clipped immediately preoperatively and standard skin preparation with an antibiotic solution such as povidone iodine or chlorhexidine should be used. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.