[Diagnosis of inguinal hernias]

The diagnosis of inguinal hernia is more often obtained by the history on an intermittent inguinal tumefaction spontaneously reducible or using maneuvers well known by the patient and the clinician. The complementary explorations have a small interest, but the ultrasonography and the CT-scan can confirm the parietal defects in case of diagnostic doubt. The research of risk factors is necessary, in order to avoid recurrences after surgery. In a same way, associated severe diseases, like colorectal cancers and aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, have to be researched. The precise diagnosis will indicate the type of surgical procedure, inguinal or laparoscopic, but the validity of this last approach has to be proved.