Historical aspects of laparoscopic hernia repair

The history of the surgical treatment of groin hernias is reviewed with emphasis on the events leading to the introduction and development of the management of these hernias by a laparoscopic approach. The reasons for a shift from an inguinal to an abdominal approach are presented, and the early results of the latter are considered together with the possible advantages and disadvantages. Both methods rely on the use of small or large pieces of mesh that replace the previous bulwark of hernia repairs, namely the rearrangement of tissue layers. Currently, the challenge of the laparoscopic approach is being met by those espousing the inguinal approach.