Shouldice - the best no-mesh repair for inguinal hernia
Dr. E.E. Shouldice, a brilliant surgeon who revolutionized inguinal hernia repair by developing a dependable, no mesh technique back in 1945 and opened the Shouldice Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Today, the Shouldice Hospital performs more than 5000 hernia surgeries every year. They’re true experts. Appreciating the excellent patient outcomes this technique has produced led to Dr. Reinhorn visiting their facility to observe their surgeons and learn their techniques.
Since 2015, we have offered this approach to qualified patients about 100 times per year. Over the last few decades, hernia surgery has evolved into most surgeons offering mesh repairs only. While hernias are typically less likely to come back when mesh is used, many patients develop chronic problems including chronic pain after mesh hernia surgery. For this reason, we educate out patients and offer them a non mesh alternative.
Boston Hernia offers the Shouldice procedure to appropriate candidates, including:
Patients who are thin and healthy
Patients with small to moderate sized hernias
Individuals who prefer to avoid mesh for their hernia repair
Want to know what hernia repair might be best for you? Try our repair calculator here.
** There are multiple factors that we take into consideration to determine if an individual patient is a good candidate for a Shouldice repair. There is no substitute for a physical exam and conversation with one of our surgeons, and any decisions regarding surgery will be made between you and your surgeon at the time of consult. If you decide to come in for a consultation, we cannot guarantee ahead of time that any particular repair will be recommended or offered for your care. **
SHOULDICE SURGERY, EXPLAINED
The Shouldice technique involves suturing the defect in the abdominal wall back together (vs. overlying it with surgical mesh). It’s performed using a permanent, high-strength suture material. The surgeon weaves the suture through multiple layers of tissue within the abdominal wall to create a labyrinth of strength. Patients are able to return to normal physical activity as they feel up to it, usually about 3-4 weeks after surgery. This repair utilizes the patients own tissues and is designed to move and stretch with activity. By avoiding mesh, the body's natural movement is usually completely preserved.
SHOULDICE REPAIR: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DAY OF SURGERY AND RECOVERY
We want our patients to know what to expect for surgery and recovery- this knowledge helps you smoothly transition through the experience and recover well! This video takes you through the whole process, from the day of surgery, to months out from your repair. Because this repair doesn't involve the use of mesh, it relies on the healing of your own tissues to provide the strength to prevent your hernia from coming back. Promoting good healing and preventing injury in the recovery process is so important - and we want to help you get there. Swelling after surgery? How long your activity should be restricted? How much pain will you have? We address these and other frequently asked questions in this thorough video playlist. We hope this helps!
