Groin hernia: a current perspective.

Groin hernias are one of the major problems handled by the surgeon. At this time there appears to be some clear indications for open repair, pretty clear indications for laparoscopic repair, less clear indications for one type anesthesia or the other. There has been a major shift toward utilizing mesh in open repairs and in laparoscopic repairs with no significant increase in complications. Patients should usually be able to return to work, even at labor, within two weeks of the operation. Surgeons and patients should expect to experience a recurrence less than 2% of the time.