The management of hernia. Considerations in cost effectiveness.

Approximately 700,000 herniorrhaphies are performed annually in the United States for primary, recurrent, and bilateral inguinal hernias. This article describes the components of cost regarding the approach and management of groin hernias. The trends toward outpatient procedures, regional anesthetic agents, and early return to work are analyzed. The common types of repair are compared with reference to recurrence and complication rates. The advances and results of laparoscopic hernia are reviewed. In summary, a cost-effective approach for the management of inguinal hernias is presented that could reduce the yearly cost of hernia repair by hundreds of millions of dollars.