The orifices of all inguinal and ventral (including Spigelian) hernias were carefully recorded at the beginning of laparoscopy (n=201) of other reason (cholecystectomy, fundoplication) in 2003-5. The patients with occult hernias (n=43) were followed-up 15 years to find out what percentage of hernias would become symptomatic.

This was a prospective laparoscopic study of 201 consecutive adult patients operated in 2003-5. There were 133 females and 68 males with a mean age 53 ± 14 years. The index laparoscopic operation included 104 cholecystectomies, 55 fundoplications, 36 diagnostic, 5 appendectomies and one insertion of peritoneal catheter. A careful clinical examination of the groin and ventral region was performed on everybody and all patients with clinical hernias were excluded. Laparoscopic exploration of the inguinal region was considered safe and did not greatly increase the operative time. All patients were informed that hernial orifices would be explored during laparoscopy, and a written consent was asked prior to surgery. Permission to repair large hernias (> 1 cm) was also obtained before laparoscopy.

The patients were followed-up 15 years to find out, what percentage of occult, symptomless inguinal and ventral hernias were later operated because of harmfull symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• occult inguinal or ventral hernia diagnosed in laparoscopic surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• clinically diagnosed inguinal or ventral hernia