Inguinal hernia in the new millennium.

Since 1884, when Edoardo Bassini started the modern era of surgical correction of inguinal hernia (today the most common procedure performed by the general surgeon), many techniques have been introduced, some short-lived, others with proven long-term results. At the start of the new millennium, the surgeon has three clear alternatives: tension repairs, tension-free repairs, and laparoscopic procedures. This paper analyzes these three options and offers an update regarding the pros and cons of the most commonly performed operations in surgical centers around the world.