The inguinal hernia represents the most significant aspect of the technical and technological evolution of the second half of the 20th century, still in vogue at the beginning of this new millennium. We passed in fact, from a whole series of tra ditional procedures, with small variations, to the most modern ones with prosthesis, to arrive then to the laparoscopy. A surgical disease, which counts more than 200 different kinds of operations, as in the case of the inguinal hernia, does not exist. This is due to the whole sur gical category's interest towards this disease, as well as to the fact...

Single-access laparoscopic surgery (SALS), performed using a single transumbilical access, has recently proved to bring advantages over other forms of laparoscopic surgery due to the reduction in the number of incisions and the consequent decrease in morbidity, less blood loss and postoperative pain. Furthermore, cosmesis may be improved because incision within the umbilicus renders surgery virtually scarless. Nevertheless, as with all new surgical concepts, questions may be raised regarding safety, usefulness and appropriateness. This book analyzes the use of SALS for different indications...

Single-access laparoscopic surgery (SALS), performed using a single transumbilical access, has recently proved to bring advantages over other forms of laparoscopic surgery due to the reduction in the number of incisions and the consequent decrease in morbidity, less blood loss and postoperative pain. Furthermore, cosmesis may be improved because incision within the umbilicus renders surgery virtually scarless. Nevertheless, as with all new surgical concepts, questions may be raised regarding safety, usefulness and appropriateness. This book analyzes the use of SALS for different indications...