Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children: Article review and the preliminary Maltese experience
Gabriella Grech1, Mohamed Shoukry2
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq Dun Karm, Msida MSD, 2090, Malta.
Insights
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is a safe and versatile procedure with low complication and recurrence rates. This review analyzes global data and presents the preliminary Maltese experience, confirming its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopy offers an alternative to open inguinal hernia repair in children.
- This review systematically analyzes laparoscopic hernia repair in pediatric patients and the Maltese experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a retrospective systematic analysis of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children.
- To review the preliminary Maltese experience with this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of articles published between 2002 and 2019.
- Analysis of patient demographics, surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications.
- Inclusion of data from 32 studies involving 10,183 pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- The majority of studies utilized a single port for laparoscopic repair.
- Surgery duration varied significantly, from 10 to 138 minutes.
- Ipsilateral recurrence rates were 0.83%, with 0.17% requiring conversion to open surgery.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is a safe and versatile procedure.
- The technique is associated with minimal complications and low reoperation rates.
Background:
In the past two decades, laparoscopy has provided an alternative approach to inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this review is to carry out a retrospective systematic analysis of articles dealing with laparoscopic hernia repair in children and a review of the Maltese experience.
Methods:
Data was obtained from publications from 2002 to 2019. The endpoints include: patient demographics, clinical presentations, laparoscopic tools, ports, suture used, technical remarks, length of surgery, hospital stay, complications and follow-up.
Results:
32 studies were included with a total of 10,183 patients. Most articles documented the use of 1 port. Length of surgery ranged from an average of 10 to 138 min. Ipsilateral recurrences were reported in 0.83% of cases, while 0.17% required conversion to open.
Preliminary Maltese Experience:
In our centre, a population of 514, 564 is covered (16% under the age of 18). A total of 14 cases of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were carried out from August 2018 till October 2020. The neonatal laparoscopic set-up involves a 30⁰ laparoscope, inserted via a 5 mm umbilical port, with 2 stab incisions allowing the use of 3 mm devices. Intra-corporeal purse string suture technique is used. The length of surgery ranged from 1 hr to 2 hr 30 min. There was 1 case of ipsilateral recurrence and another requiring conversion to open surgery.
Conclusions:
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is a versatile and safe procedure that can be carried out with minimal complications and low reoperation rates.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV.
