Shouldice operation

Last reviewed 01/2018

The Shouldice operation is a popular means of repair of an inguinal hernia. It involves elements of both approximation and reinforcement of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.

The stages of the repair have been arbitrarily divided here into:

  • exposure of cord
  • removal of cremaster muscle
  • excision of sac
  • dissection of transversalis fascia
  • repair of transversalis fascia
  • reinforcement of conjoint tendon
  • closure of more superficial layers