Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy. Techniques and controversies.

Because of the remarkable success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, numerous investigators have attempted to duplicate this success with laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. This article presents a different view of the preperitoneal anatomy, reviews the rationale behind the various laparoscopic approaches, and presents, in detail, the laparoscopic preperitoneal repair with mesh, including complications and early recurrences. An attempt is made to put the new laparoscopic procedures into perspective with regard to economic issues and safety.