Inguinal hernia is a common condition, especially in men, appearing in all age groups with peak incidence in the newborn, young adult, and elderly populations.1 A National Health Survey on Hernia, conducted in 1960, determined that hernias occur at a rate of 15 per 1000 population.2 Surgical repair of inguinal hernias represents a large component of health care effort with approximately 700 000 he