The histology of the internal inguinal ring in patients with indirect hernia submitted to elective surgery was studied. In contrast with recently published studies, the investigators believe that histological findings of the internal inguinal ring would reflect those associated and expected with normal aging.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male gender
• Older than 15 years-of-age
• Unilateral indirect inguinal hernia
• Non-smokers
• Non-diabetics
• Non-connective tissue conditions
• Primary inguinal hernia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female gender
• Younger than 15 years-of-age
• Bilateral inguinal hernia
• Direct or combined direct-indirect inguinal hernia
• Femoral hernia
• Smokers
• Diabetics
• Other connective tissue diseases
• Recurrent inguinal hernia

Patients with indirect inguinal hernia submitted to elective surgery with the Lichtenstein hernioplasty technique