Final answer:
For an open repair of an indirect hernia, a Penrose drain is typically used after the spermatic cord has been dissected to facilitate fluid drainage and promote healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
During an open repair of an indirect hernia, the type of drain that a surgical technologist should have available to pass the surgeon once the spermatic cord has been dissected is a Penrose drain. This type of drain is used to allow fluids to escape from the surgical site and to prevent accumulation, which can lead to complications. It works by providing a passageway for fluids to move from areas of high concentration to areas of lower concentration, promoting healing in the tissue surrounding the surgical site.