Laparoscopic vs. Open Hernia Repair

Open repair

One incision of a few inches is made directly over the hernia. The tissue is pushed back and the weak area is reinforced, usually with mesh placed on top of the muscle.

• Can be done under local anesthesia with sedation
• Often an excellent choice for a single, first-time groin hernia
• Useful after certain previous lower abdominal operations
• Well suited to patients who should avoid general anesthesia

Laparoscopic repair

Several small incisions are used with a camera. Mesh is placed behind the muscle, where abdominal pressure helps hold it in place.

• Requires general anesthesia
• Both sides can be repaired through the same incisions
• Often preferred for a hernia that has come back after open repair
• Often less early pain and a slightly faster return to activity

How they compare

When performed by experienced surgeons, long-term recurrence rates are similar. Laparoscopic repair tends to offer a quicker early recovery, while open repair avoids general anesthesia and abdominal entry. Both are usually same-day surgery.

Choosing the right approach

Dr. Arsenous considers the type and size of the hernia, whether one or both sides are affected, previous surgeries, your general health and your preferences. See laparoscopic hernia repair and inguinal hernia repair.