[Laparoscopic inguinal hernia operation].

Abstract

After the introduction of laparoscopic operations for repair of inguinal hernias, circa 1990, randomized comparative studies showed that this method causes less postoperative pain and requires a shorter recovery period than conventional operations. The duration of follow-up is still too short for comparison of proportions of recurrences. The costs of laparoscopic interventions are higher for the hospital (among other things because of the use of disposable instruments) and lower for society (because of shorter absenteeism). Implementation of the intervention by allotment of a higher fee to hospitals has not been done, because meanwhile a third method--conventional surgery with implantation of a prosthetic mesh in ambulatory surgery--has become possible. A meta-analysis based on European registration of all treated patients will once more have to demonstrate what method of treatment is to be preferred.