Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with the flared patch

A method is described of using a "flared patch" of woven polypropylene mesh (Marlex or Prolene) to laparoscopically repair inguinal hernial defects. The technique has been used in > 150 patients with indirect (60%) and direct (25%) inguinal hernias. Operating time was reduced from 45 min when the hernial sac was dissected to 25 min using the current technique. All procedures were performed in the outpatient department or during 23-h hospital observation. In the short-term follow-up time of a mean of 12 months (range, 4-23), there has been a 0.67% recurrence rate. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach, which places the operator at the site of the defect, are emphasized by the simplicity of this method. The specific patient benefits include less pain and an earlier return to normal activity, including work. It also allows for the repair of some bilateral hernias.