Book excerpt: The repair and management of inguinal hernias represents a significant part of the general surgeon's workload. It was therefore inevitable that following the success of laparoscopic cholysysectomy, surgeons would develop a procedure for repairing inguinal hernias laparoscopically. This book provides the first comprehensive account of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The Editors' aim has been to give step-by-step guidance to each operative procedure discussed with reference to long term results. One of the biggest problems facing surgeons learning new laparoscopic procedures is an understanding and orientation of basic anatomy when viewed through the laparoscope. This issue is discussed at length with guidance on how to avoid the common pitfalls. Final chapters look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Lichtenstein open mesh hernia repair approach, safety and properties of non-absorbal mesh with the last chapters concentrating on laparoscopic suture repair and the new mini hernia operation.