Laparoscopic High Ligation of Hernia Sac of Inguinal Hernia in Pediatric Patients

Purpose: Although laparoscopic surgery in children has expanded in recent years. laparoscopic hernia repair in children is still debatable. We aimed to summarize and describe our results of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and techniques among children. Methods: Between March 2011 and August 2013, 117 children (81 male, 36 female) underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair at the department of surgery. The clinical outcomes were collected retrospectively. Results: The mean follow-up period was 26.2 months. Thirteen patients were ex-premature infants and a contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV) was present in 44 of the 110 unilateral inguinal hernia patients. There were two postoperative complications (transient hydrocele, umbilical port site infection). The mean operative time was 47 minutes. Recurrence, metachronous hernia, and testicular atrophy were not observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Our preliminary experiences suggest that the laparoscopic purse-string suture of internal inguinal opening of the hernia sac could be an effective and reliable alternative for management of pediatric inguinal hernia.