LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL-HERNIA REPAIR

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair may cause a revolution in general surgery if it proves to be the best treatment for inguinal hernia. Tod ay there are several laparoscopic techniques that have been shown to b e feasible. However, no information concerning long-term recurrence ra tes and cost-effectiveness is available. This review summarizes curren t knowledge, including all randomized studies that have appeared hithe rto, and concludes that it is still premature to advocate a transition from the preferred individualized conventional technique to a laparos copic technique on a large scale. However, a definite statement on the place of laparoscopic repair may be given in the near future in the l ight of larger randomized studies.