How do you decide between an open or laparoscopic hernia repair ?

Many factors: Type of hernia, size of defect, fitness of patient and anesthetic choice, experience of surgeon, prior history of surgery, first or recurrent hernia, goals of repair, and other factors may contribute to the choice of technique. Young patients or women of childbearing age may benefit by avoiding mesh. Large incisional defects, are less disabling if the muscle if reapproximated.

Your choice...: Open repair is associated with more pain and a longer recovery than lap (by 1-2 weeks), but only if the lap surgeon is very experienced with the technique. Choose what the surgeon does best. If you want lap, find an experienced surgeon with at least previous 250 cases.Not foolproof, but it can start the conversation. If the surgeon does open, and you want lap, ask about a referral to a lap surgeon