Hernias are a very common medical problem. It is estimated that around 5% of the world population will develop an abdominal wall hernia during their lives, but the prevalence could be higher. Approximately 75% of the hernias occur in the inguinal (groin) area. Men have a 25 times greater risk than women to develop an inguinal hernia. Laparoscopic surgery has become since several years ago a widely accepted alternative to repair inguinal and abdominal wall hernias, with a verified safety and high efficiency. It uses 3 small wounds from 5-10 mm through them the camera and instruments are handled. In this way the hernia is repaired and besides, a mesh is introduced to reinforce the prior defect.

Laparoscopic surgery represents a well recognized technique in the management of benign diseases of the colon, specially diverticuli (sacklike protrusion in the colonic wall that develops as a result of herniation of the mucosa and submucosa trough points of weakness in the muscular wall). Colonic diverticular disease is a very common entity and most of the cases in asymptomatic. Laparoscopic colon resection allows a quicker recovery, an earlier start to resume diet and a sooner reestablishment of the colonic motility.

Splenectomy (spleen removal) is a useful therapeutic resource in the management of hematological diseases, where the spleen acts like an organ of destruction of blood cells (red blood cells and platelets). Since its development in 1991, laparoscopic splenectomy has replaced almost completely the conventional approach. Moreover, its safety and efficiency have been demonstrated throughout the world.