Laparoscopic pediatric inguinal hernia repair: a controlled randomized study

Mohamed Abd-Alrazek1, Hatem Alsherbiny1, Mohamad Mahfouz1

  • 1Pediatric Surgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt.

Insights

Disconnection of the hernia sac during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is a safe and effective method. This technique demonstrates a lower recurrence rate compared to leaving the sac intact with purse-string sutures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Surgical Innovation

Background:

  • Inguinal hernia repair is a common pediatric surgical procedure.
  • Laparoscopic techniques for pediatric inguinal hernia repair are still under investigation.
  • Various laparoscopic methods exist, necessitating comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare two laparoscopic techniques for congenital inguinal hernia (CIH) repair in children.
  • Evaluate intracorporeal purse-string suture ligation versus sac disconnection with suturing.
  • Assess operative time, recurrence rates, and postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective randomized controlled study of 132 pediatric patients over 2 years and 8 months.
  • Group I (n=66): Laparoscopic intracorporeal purse-string suture ligation of the hernia sac at the internal inguinal ring (IIR), leaving the sac intact.
  • Group II (n=66): Laparoscopic disconnection of the hernia sac at the IIR with proximal suturing and peritoneal closure.

Main Results:

  • 132 patients (157 hernia defects) aged 6 months to 3 years included.
  • No significant difference in intraoperative complications or hospital stay between groups.
  • Significant differences observed in operative time and postoperative complications, favoring sac disconnection.

Conclusions:

  • Laparoscopic repair with hernia sac disconnection and peritoneal closure is a safe and feasible pediatric CIH treatment.
  • This method shows a reduced recurrence rate compared to the purse-string technique with an intact sac.
Abstract

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