Causing less postoperative pain, with faster recovery and better cosmesis, laparoscopic surgery has led to a new emphasis on patient-oriented surgical treatment. Yet the procedure is costly compared to conventional surgery and, although widely accepted for symptomatic cholelithiasis, the advantages of laparoscopic methods over conventional techniques have not been proven for groin hernia.
This volume takes a critical look at the available facts concerning both conventional and laparoscopic hernia repair, allowing readers to make their own judgements regarding which technique is most appropriate. Beginning with a historical overview and an examination of the socio-economic implications, leading experts review the anatomy and pathophysiology of inguinal hernia, compare the diverse surgical techniques, and review the results of the most advanced conventional and laparoscopic procedures. An interesting discussion of possible future implications completes this comprehensive volume.