Open repair of inguinal hernia: an evidence-based review.

This article provides an evidence-based review of open hernia repair. Technical considerations in general, including perioperative management of the patient, and the most currently used open repairs are addressed. Outcomes after repair are reviewed using the latest available literature. Current recommendations from this review include the routine use of mesh in primary repair of inguinal hernia and the need to counsel patients preoperatively about the risk of chronic postoperative groin pain.