A comparison of laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair in servicemen.

In a prospective comparison of 70 servicemen undergoing inguinal hernia repair by either the Shouldice method or by laparoscopy, it was found that the laparoscopic operation took longer (mean 52.6 minutes compared to 28.4) and required a postoperative hospital stay as long as that following open operation. However the postoperative analgesia requirement was significantly less, and the patients undergoing laparoscopic herniorraphy were able to regain full fitness and to return to work earlier than those having a Shouldice repair. Despite the higher costs of the laparoscopic operation we believe that the earlier return to work makes this technique cost-effective.