International guidelines for groin hernia management: Do they have a vested interest?

Table 1 Strengths and limitations of each technique in inguinal hernia

Technique	Major strengths	Major limitations
Open repair	Lowest cost; can be performed under local anaesthesia; short operative time; universally available; excellent long-term outcomes	Slightly greater early postoperative pain and slower recovery
Laparoscopic repair	Less postoperative pain; earlier return to work; preferred for bilateral and recurrent hernias	Requires general anaesthesia; steeper learning curve
Robotic repair	Improved ergonomics and dexterity; excellent visualization; easier intracorporeal suturing	Highest cost; longer operative time; limited availability; no proven superiority in major clinical outcomes