Anatomical laparoscopic hernia repair of direct or indirect inguinal hernias using the transversalis fascia and iliopubic tract.

Fourteen patients with symptomatic inguinal hernias underwent anatomic repair, which approximates the transversalis muscle and fascia to the iliopubic tract. Polyproprolene mesh was used to obliterate the canal space formerly occupied by the hernia sac. Nine patients were operated on for a direct inguinal hernia, four for an indirect hernia, and one recurrent direct hernia. Two patients required the laparoscopic approach to abandoned in favor of an open method. The remaining 12 patients underwent laparoscopic repair and were discharged within 23 h of the procedure.