Dear Dr. Roach I am a 70-year-old male with a large inguinal hernia on the right side. I have consulted two different surgeons, and both surgeons recommend taking care of the condition at the earliest convenience.

The surgeon who specializes in robotic surgery recommends laparoscopic surgery with three small incisions. He also recommends surgery on the left side because he detects a weakness; he says if you have a hernia on one side, you are likely to get one on the other. Another surgeon recommends open surgery due to the size of the hernia and flatly states that the left side does not need surgery.

What is your opinion of laparoscopic versus open surgery as both seem to have pros and cons? What is your opinion on preventive surgery for the left side? — A.H.S.

Answer: On the question of open versus laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias in men, the data show that laparoscopic surgery has faster recovery times and less pain. Among surgeons who have expertise in both types of surgery (250 laparoscopic surgeries were required to be considered sufficient experience), the complication rate was the same. The larger size of a hernia isn’t usually a reason to avoid laparoscopic surgery, so I recommend a surgeon who has expertise in laparoscopic surgery.

On the question of simultaneously repairing the other side, it can usually be done on both sides laparoscopically using the same incisions, which makes things easier and prevents more scars later on if the hernia does become symptomatic. But since you haven’t told me about any symptoms on the left side, I personally would not recommend that a patient get it done at the same time even if it is easier because you may never need to get it done.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.