What should I think about if I have a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair?

Laparoscopic hernia repair is different from open surgery in the following ways:

• A laparoscopic repair requires several small incisions instead of a single larger cut.
• If hernias are on both sides, both hernias can be repaired at the same time without the need for a second large incision. Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to examine both groin areas and all sites of hernias for defects. Also, the patch or mesh can be placed over all possible areas of weakness, helping prevent a hernia from recurring in the same spot or developing in a different spot.
• General anesthesia is needed for laparoscopic repair. Open hernia repair can be done under general, spinal or local anesthesia.

Laparoscopic repair of a hernia is more expensive than open surgery because of the increased costs associated with slightly longer operating-room time and the cost of laparoscopic technology.