What are the differences between open and laparoscopic repair of an inguinal hernia?
The major differences are in the amount of postoperative pain, the time to start walking and the time taken to return to work which have been shown to be less in patients undergoing laparoscopic repair (6 to 18 days less). Wound numbness is also less after laparoscopic hernia repair. One study showed a slightly increased quality of life after laparoscopic, as apposed to open, repair.
