Groin hernias (otherwise known as inguinal hernias) can be approached either through a regular open incision or through laparoscopic techniques.

The benefits of decreased post-operative pain and faster return to work are scientifically proven for laparoscopic repair for situations when the hernia is recurrent (meaning it was fixed previously with an open technique) or for a bilateral repair. A bilateral repair means that if you have hernias present on both sides of your groin and the surgeon plans to fix both at the same time.

The question of whether or not to repair a one-sided hernia with a laparoscopic repair versus an open technique depends largely on surgeon preference. There are a number of situations which are specific to medical conditions that favor one approach rather than another.