title: [A brief history of the inguinal hernia operation in adults].
abstract: Late into the 19th century, treatment for inguinal hernias consisted of repositioning the hernia with trusses or using 'softening agents' such as warm herbal baths and moist bandages. Surgical resection or cauterisation, often combined with hemicastration, was only considered for cases ofstrangulated hernia that could not be repositioned. Bassini (1844-1924) is credited with developing the precursor to the modern inguinal hernia operation at the end of the 19th century. Bassini's essential discovery was that the transverse fascia plays a key role in the pathophysiology of inguinal hernias. Bassini's operation, consisting of complete incision of the transverse fascia and reconstruction of the inguinal floor, was considered the gold standard for nearly a century. One problem with the conventional Bassini operation was the tension applied to tissues, which led to a high rate of recurrence. Although Bassini's operation has now become obsolete, current surgical approaches still centre on fortification of the inguinal floor. This tension-free repair now uses synthetic mesh that is positioned using an open anterior approach, laparoscopic surgery, or a preperitoneal technique.
authors.affiliation: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Hepatobiliaire Chirurgie en Levertransplantatie, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen. j.bekker@chir.umcg.nl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bekker
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Keeman
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Simons
authors.forename: Th J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Aufenacker
mesh_terms: D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000266:history* / Q000601:surgery; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000266:history; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy / Q000266:history; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000266:history*