Laparoscopic hernia repairs - The importance of cost as an outcome measurement at the century's end

Laparoscopic hernia repair has generated controversy since its introduction in the early 1990s. Despite clinical studies showing low hernia recurrence rates, rapid recovery rates, and high patient preference, laparoscopic rep airs are not widely performed by surgeons-owing mainly to the difficult lea rning curve and the reportedly high costs of the procedure. Cost effectiven ess and quality of life analyses further support the use of laparoscopic re pairs in many cases. The establishment of cost-driven practice guidelines c an reduce the high cost of laparoscopy.