Laparoscopic reoperation for pediatric recurrent inguinal hernia after previous laparoscopic repair

Recurrence is a concerning area in pediatric inguinal hernia repair. Various laparoscopic repair methods are available to treat recurrent pediatric inguinal hernia. We analyzed previous laparoscopic hernia repairs and report the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia reoperations in patients with recurrent inguinal hernia.

Fifty-one patients who presented for recurrent inguinal hernia after laparoscopic hernia repair from September 2012 to May 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Previous laparoscopic procedures were analyzed with respect to sac removal (removal vs. leaving in place), suture material (absorbable vs. nonabsorbable), and high ligation method (purse string vs. multiple stitches). We removed the hernia sac from all patients and performed suture repair of the muscular arch of the internal inguinal ring using nonabsorbable material.

All patients (38 male, 13 female) had indirect inguinal hernias. No conversion to open surgery occurred. Forty-three (84.3%) patients developed recurrence within 1 year after the previous operation [mean 8.7 ± 6.9 (range 3-33) months]. Twenty patients had concurrent hydroceles (39.2%); 16 were cord hydroceles and 4 were canal of Nuck hydroceles. In the previous operations, the hernia sac was not removed in 100% (51/51) of patients, absorbable suture material was used in 58.8% (30/51), and purse string high ligation was performed in 88.2% (45/51). No re-recurrence developed during a mean follow-up of 25.0 ± 12.6 (range 13-54) months.

Laparoscopic reoperation with hernia sac removal and suture repair of the muscular arch of the internal inguinal ring with nonabsorbable material is an effective operation with few recurrences and complications.