Authors' objectives: The objective of this study was to comprehensively review the evidence to inform key decisions in the management of inguinal hernia in adults and pediatric patients. These questions include whether to repair a pain-free hernia or "wait and see," and whether to repair a painful hernia using an open or laparoscopic approach. They also include which procedure to use if an open approach is used; which procedure to use if a laparoscopic approach is used; which type of mesh to use; which mesh fixation method (if any) to use; how experience with laparoscopic repair may be related to the risk of hernia recurrence; for pediatric hernia, whether to surgically explore a possible contralateral hernia or "wait and see"; and for pediatric hernia, whether to repair using an open or laparoscopic approach.

Authors' recommendations: Patients, families, and providers can use this evidence review to improve decisionmaking about inguinal hernia. The applicability of our findings is limited to the types of populations, procedures, and settings in the included studies. The typical patient was a middle-aged man of average weight with primary unilateral inguinal hernia.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/244/1176/CER70_Inguinal-Hernia_FinalReport_20120816.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)