Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy: transabdominal techniques.

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy is an investigational procedure and the best technique and the exact indications are presently unclear. Preliminary results suggest that further investigation is indicated. A multi-center trial involving institutions from Europe and North America has recently been completed comparing various laparoscopic herniorrhaphy techniques. The rate of complications and recurrence was low despite the relative inexperience of the surgeon investigators. Laparoscopy affords an excellent exposure of the preperitoneal space which can be quite useful in repairing many inguinal hernias, especially those which are recurrent or otherwise complicated. It seems that laparoscopy will certainly have a place in the armamentarium of general surgeons caring for inguinal hernias. It is unlikely though that every inguinal hernia will best be repaired laparoscopically.