Laparoscopic hernia repair--the best option?

Abstract

For 100 years the Bassini-type repair for inguinal hernia was the standard method. The Lichtenstein "tension free" mesh repair replaced it on the grounds of much lower recurrence rates, < 5% vs approximately 15%. However, open procedures all have significant long-term discomfort rates of up to 53%. Laparoscopic repair has become a genuine option in the last 15 years and offers low recurrence (< 1%) and minimal long-term discomfort. However, it has not been widely taken up. There is a common misconception that it takes longer to perform, has more complications and is much more expensive. None of these caveats stand up under objective scrutiny. It is time that laparoscopic repair became the method of choice for most elective inguinal hernia repairs.