Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy

Between September 1991 and April 1992, 30 patients were admitted for repair of an inguinal hernia. Four elderly patients were excluded because of other medical conditions. Of the remaining 26 patients laparoscopic hernia repair was carried out successfully in 24; the procedure was abandoned in 2 because of dense adhesions in the pelvis from inflammatory disease. Nineteen of the 24 patients were discharged within 24 hours of operation; the other 5 were treated as outpatients. All patients returned to their normal employment within 7 days of operation. There were no wound infections and no evidence of recurrence at follow-up of up to 10 months. The authors believe that laparoscopic repair may usher in a new era of hernia management.