title: The Shouldice technique: a canon in hernia repair.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Shouldice Hospital Ltd., Thornhill, Ont..
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bendavid
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D012008:Recurrence; D013232:Steel; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D013232:Steel