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Minilaparoscopic herniorrhaphy in pediatric inguinal hernia: a durable alternative treatment tostandard herniotomy
Yao Chou Tsai1, Chao-Chuan Wu2, Chen-Hsun Ho2
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taipei Branch, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Tzu Chi University, Medical College, Hualien, Taiwan.
Insights
Minilaparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is safe and effective, with a low recurrence rate of 2%. This technique offers a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for pediatric inguinal hernias.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Hernia Repair
Background:
- Inguinal hernias are common in children.
- Traditional open herniotomy is the standard treatment.
- Minilaparoscopic techniques are emerging as alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of minilaparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in pediatric patients.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this minimally invasive approach.
Main Methods:
- 161 children underwent minilaparoscopic herniorrhaphy between 2003 and 2008.
- Contralateral internal ring exploration and repair were performed if a patent processus vaginalis (PPV) of ≥2 cm was found.
- Patients with <1 year follow-up or lost to follow-up were excluded.
Main Results:
- 146 patients were analyzed after a mean follow-up of 3 years.
- 4 recurrences (2%) occurred in 3 boys; no procedure-related complications were reported.
- No contralateral metachronous hernias developed in patients with negative exploration or PPV <2 cm.
Conclusions:
- Minilaparoscopic herniorrhaphy with hernia sac transection is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric inguinal hernias.
- This minimally invasive method provides a successful alternative to open herniotomy.
Background:
The purpose of the article is to report our long-term results of minilaparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children.
Methods:
Between September 2003 and September 2008, 161 children with inguinal hernia were treated with minilaparoscopic herniorrhaphy. The asymptomatic contralateral internal ring was routinely explored and repaired if a patent processus vaginalis of not less than 2 cm was noted. Patients who were followed for less than 1 year and those who were lost to follow-up were excluded from the study. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and hernia recurrences were documented.
Results:
In total, 146 patients were eligible for final analysis. A total of 196 minilaparoscopic herniorrhaphies were performed. The mean follow-up period was 3 years. There were 4 hernia recurrences (2%) in 3 boys. There were no procedure-related complications. None of the patients with a negative contralateral exploration or a contralateral patent processus vaginalis of less than 2 cm had a contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia.
Conclusions:
Our long-term results reveal that minilaparoscopic herniorrhaphy combined with hernia sac transection is a safe and effective alternative treatment to standard open herniotomy.