Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair may cause a revolution in general surgery if it proves to be the best treatment for inguinal hernia. Today there are several laparoscopic techniques that have been shown to be feasible. However, no information concerning long-term recurrence rates and cost-effectiveness is available. This review summarizes current knowledge, including all randomized studies that have appeared hitherto, and concludes that it is still premature to advocate a transition from the preferred individualized conventional technique to a laparoscopic technique on a large scale. However, a definite statement on the place of laparoscopic repair may be given in the near future in the light of larger randomized studies.