Open herniorrhaphy is safer and cheaper than laparoscopic surgery

EDITOR,--R S Taylor and T M Loosemore write that I failed to make a case against laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.1 I maintain that we do not need the endoscopic method when we have an open mesh technique that can be performed under local anaesthesia, is suitable for patients with considerable comorbidity, and has a rapid recovery rate and the lowest recurrence rate reported. The patient is awake and feels safe during and after the procedure. What more would a patient wish for? I am not against comparative …