[Laparoscopic surgery of inguinal hernias. The extraperitoneal route]

Laparoscopic techniques for treating inguinal hernia have been well defined. Complete pre-peritoneal route, described here, is based on the well established Stoppa procedure. The different operative times are given in detail, including positioning the split windowed unfixed polypropylene prosthesis. The limitations of the procedure, the complications and its relative role among other modern laparoscopic and conventional treatments of inguinal hernias are discussed here. The pre-peritoneal route described is perfectly reproductable. Early results of reported cases are discussed and have been quite favourable.