Laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia repair

Laparoscopic surgery is recommended as 1 of the treatment options for the repair of inguinal hernia.

To enable patients to choose between open and laparoscopic surgery (either by the transabdominal preperitoneal [TAPP] or by the totally extraperitoneal [TEP] procedure), they should be fully informed of all of the risks (for example, immediate serious complications, postoperative pain or numbness and long-term recurrence rates) and benefits associated with each of the 3 procedures. In particular, the following points should be considered in discussions between the patient and the surgeon:

• the individual's suitability for general anaesthesia

• the nature of the presenting hernia (that is, primary repair, recurrent hernia or bilateral hernia)

• the suitability of the particular hernia for a laparoscopic or an open approach

• the experience of the surgeon in the 3 techniques.

Laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia repair by TAPP or TEP should only be performed by appropriately trained surgeons who regularly carry out the procedure.