Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy is compared with conventional herniorrhaphy in 20 patients, who underwent laparoscopic herniorrhaphy utilizing a Mersilene plug and patch graft, and high ligation of the neck of the sac with an Endo-GIA. Patients were pain-free and returned to normal activity the first postoperative day. There was one recurrent direct inguinal hernia in an indirect repair. Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy appears to be a safe, effective way to repair indirect inguinal hernias and certain direct inguinal hernias. There is a marked reduction of pain and rapid return to normal activity. The disadvantage of this procedure is the lack of long-term follow-up.