Sliding hernias of all inguinal ruptures are prone to cause the most difficulty at the time of repair and to have the highest incidence of recurrence. This tendency has influenced some surgeons to utilize a separate abdominal incision in an effort to achieve a more satisfactory repair. At the Veterans Administration Medical Teaching Group Hospital (Kennedy), Memphis, these hernias have been repaired almost exclusively through an inguinal incision. There is very little information in the literature regarding the incidence of recurrence following the combined incisional approach to sliding hernia, so that it is difficult to make any well-substantiated comparisons. A review of the cases at this hospital was undertaken to find out whether any change in technique might be indicated in view of the results.
Of first importance in such a study is a correct diagnosis at the operating table. Moschcowitz,5 in 1925, stated with much discernment into human