Which open repair sutures the conjoint tendon and transversalis fascia to the iliopubic tract and Cooper's ligament, and is classically chosen when a femoral component coexists with an inguinal hernia?
- A Shouldice repair
- B Bassini repair
- C McVay (Cooper's ligament) repair ✓
- D Desarda repair
Correct answer: C. McVay (Cooper's ligament) repair
Explanation
The McVay repair approximates the transversus arch to Cooper's (pectineal) ligament, closing the myopectineal orifice and therefore correcting both inguinal and femoral defects, which makes it the classic sutured choice for femoral or combined hernias. Its specific hazard is compression or injury of the femoral vein, which lies immediately lateral to Cooper's ligament at the repair, often requiring a relaxing incision in the anterior rectus sheath. Bassini and Shouldice reconstruct the posterior inguinal wall to the inguinal ligament and do not address the femoral canal.
Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.