The main focus of hernia surgery today is not only preventing recurrence but also avoiding nerve irritation and the risk of chronic pain.
This is best attained by placing the mesh for the inguinal hernia repair just outside the peritoneal layer. This can be done either laparoscopically, or using a Kugel Mesh though a small incision.
Traditional (Lictenstein) hernia repair is still used for large hernias or hernias which can not be reduced back into the abdomen.