RESUMO
In a trial to assess the role of biochemical failure in the formation of inguinal hernia, 60 patients with inguinal hernia [30 de novo cases, 10 patients with hernia on one side and a previous repair on the other and 20 with recurrent hernia], and 20 controls were studied. Hydroxyproline content was determined in the anterior rectus sheath of the patients and the controls. The results showed a low level of hydroxyproline content in all hernia groups studied compared with the control and the difference was statistically significant. Surgeons should give the biological factors of hernia formation the same importance that given to the mechanical one. This may change their concepts of the management of hernia and may decrease the incidence of recurrence