Type of Incisions: Groin incision Contributed by Mika Sinanan, MD and his staff at the University of Washington Medical School Groin incisions may be oblique or within the skin lines and nearly transverse. Generally, they end medially at the level of the external ring, usually 1 to 2 finger breadths above the external ring. Laterally, these incisions usually extend for 10-12 cm, depending on the size of the patient, the size of the hernia, and prior surgery. Staying out of the inguinal crease reduces the risk of infection. Such incisions are closed in layers.The oblique inguinal incision may be on the right or left side and is used for hernia repair. The superficial epigastric vein is usually encountered in the subcutaneous tissue. It is ligated and divided. Video Resource: Incisions, Donald G. Gallup, M.D. 1991 (VHS 28 minutes) available from Ciné-Med's ACS/USSC Educational Library (General Interest Topics) Back to Incision Index Home | Welcome | Clinical Update | Managing Your Residency | Basic Science Board Review | Opportunities | Links | Contributors | Contact Us