Approximately 600,000 hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States. Many are performed by the conventional "open" method.  Minimally invasive Kugel patch hernia repair is a recent technique to fix inguinal hernias using a single small incisions under local anesthesia.  It may offer quicker return to work and normal activities with decreased pain for some patients.
When a hernia occurs, it means the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. The inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. The hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require emergency surgery.

• Both men and women can get a hernia.
• You may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time.
• A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.

The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical) and the site of a previous operation (incisional). It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during urination or bowel movements or during prolonged standing or sitting. The pain may be sharp and immediate or a dull ache that gets worse toward the end of the day. Severe, continuous pain, redness and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and immediate contact of your physician or surgeon.

Hernias in the groin can be repaired using a very small incision made just above the muscle weakness.  The space between the muscle and the peritioneum(inner lining of the abdominal wall) is opened and a special patch(Kugel patch)  is placed to cover the weak area in the muscle.  This patch does not require permanent sutures or metal tacks that sometimes cause pain after surgery.  This technique places the patch in the same location used during the laparascopic repair.  The patch does not touch the intestine.   The repair can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.  Laparascopic hernia repairs require general anesthesia.  This technique results in less discomfort and earlier return to work than traditional hernia repairs.