[Laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia pathology]

Laparoscopic hernia repair has already become as accepted a technique as the conventional ones and is routinely used in those centres where this kind of surgery is normally performed. The two most commonly used laparoscopic techniques (transabdominal and total extraperitoneal) have been shown to produce good results in terms of post-operative course and recurrence rates, but still present the disadvantages of high cost and the need for general anaesthesia. We report here a retrospective analysis of our early experience with laparoscopic treatment of inguino-crural hernias. The positive results achieved (no cases of conversion to an open technique; no recurrences to date; 4.7% major morbidity) allow us to consider this approach a valid alternative to the traditional ones in selected, well-informed patients.