Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Laparoscopic Repair of Para-Esophageal Hernia Using Absorbable Biosynthetic Mesh
Published on: September 11, 2021
Preliminary experience with laparoscopic repair of associated inguinal and umbilical hernias in children
M Bertozzi1, E Magrini, A Appignani
1S.C. di Clinica Chirurgica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Loc. S. Andrea delle Fratte, 06100, Perugia, Italy, mirkobertozzi@hotmail.com.
Insights
This study shows a safe and effective laparoscopic technique for repairing combined inguinal and umbilical hernias in children. The method simplifies surgery, reduces operative time, and shows no complications or recurrences in preliminary findings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Hernia Repair
Background:
- Combined inguinal and umbilical hernias are common in children.
- Laparoscopic repair offers advantages but requires specific techniques for associated defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel laparoscopic technique for simultaneous repair of inguinal and umbilical hernias in pediatric patients.
- To assess the safety, efficacy, and operative time of this combined approach.
Main Methods:
- A laparoscopic technique was employed in 26 pediatric patients with combined inguinal and umbilical hernias.
- A purse-string suture secured the umbilical trocar, facilitating CO2 insufflation and subsequent inguinal hernia repair.
- The same suture was used to close the umbilical defect after inguinal herniorrhaphy.
Main Results:
- Mean operative times were 30.1 minutes for unilateral and 39.5 minutes for bilateral inguinal hernias.
- Follow-up ranged from 8 to 32 months.
- No intraoperative or postoperative complications or recurrences were observed.
Conclusions:
- The described laparoscopic method is a safe and effective technique for repairing associated inguinal and umbilical hernias in children.
- This approach may decrease operative time, offering a valuable option for pediatric surgeons.
- Preliminary results indicate a statistically significant reduction in operative time.
Purpose:
The authors report their preliminary experience in laparoscopic repair of associated inguinal and umbilical hernias in children.
Methods:
Twenty-six patients affected by the association of inguinal and umbilical hernia with an umbilical defect larger than 5 mm underwent a laparoscopic procedure. A 5-mm trocar was placed through the umbilical defect for the optic. To fix the trocar to avoid loss of carboperitoneum, we fashioned and tightened a purse-string non-absorbable suture with a sliding knot around the defect. In this manner, we ensured the trocar, fixing it and avoiding any loss of CO2, proceeding safely to the laparoscopic IH repair, by means of two additional 3 mm operative trocars. At the end of the inguinal herniorrhaphy, the previously fashioned purse-string suture was tightened to repair the umbilical defect.
Results:
The mean operative time for the repair of associated inguinal and umbilical hernias was 30.1 ± 7.4 min in cases of unilateral inguinal hernia and 39.5 ± 10.6 for bilateral inguinal hernia. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 32 months. Neither intra- nor post-operative complications nor recurrences were seen.
Conclusion:
This small sample suggests that this simple method is safe, effective and might be useful for pediatric surgeons performing laparoscopic repair for inguinal hernia in presence of an associated UH with a statistically significant decrease of operative time.
