A maneuver to improve the shutter mechanism in inguinal hernias.

A technique for improving the shutter mechanism in the treatment of inguinal hernias is presented. The lateral leaf of the external oblique is fashioned to accommodate the emerging spermatic cord and is brought to a more posterior plane by suturing it to the inguinal ligament. This supporting flap is anchored to the internal oblique aponeurosis and anterior rectus sheath, keeping the sutures deep to the internal oblique, but superficial to the transverse plane.