[Under what conditions is laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernia financially profitable?].

A randomized controlled study between Shouldice technic (119 cases) and laparoscopic totally pre-peritoneal hernia repair (122 cases) was performed to evaluate the different costs. Only with reusable devices, and if the Prolene Mesh is not fixed by stapple, laparoscopic repair, even a specific increasing expenses (700 FF) allow a little benefit (1100 FF per patient). Laparoscopic hernia repair is really benefit for active workers, specially in liberal practice. These conclusion suggest to correlate the technic with professional activity.