Report of 100 open inguinal hernia repairs using a 2-cm incision: a novel technique.

We report a novel open technique for the repair of inguinal hernias using a 2-cm incision. This allows bilateral cases to be performed safely as day case procedures, where laparoscopic repair is not possible. A 2-cm incision is made over the deep inguinal ring. Blunt dissection distracts the cord and hernial sac, which can be dissected and reduced. A stapler is used to secure mesh through an incision too small to allow satisfactory suturing. This is a fast, safe, and easy-to-learn technique that produces a good repair with minimal bruising and quick wound healing. It is a useful substitute to laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal procedure (TEP) repair where this is not possible.