Shelving

In surgery, the shelving is the fascia between the inguinal ligaments and above the pubic symphysis. It is the natural extension of the transversalis fascia. It is rarely incised, but a surgeon working in the belly will often park a handy instrument or two there, reducing the constant back-and-forth of tools with the scrub tech.

In the literature, hernia repairs commonly include mention of suturing to the "shelving edge of the inguinal ligament".

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