[A new technique for inguinal hernia repair in children: laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal ring suturing]

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed operations in the pediatric population and laparoscopic hernia repair is currently increasingly performed in Dutch academic and non-academic hospitals. The laparoscopic PIRS-technique is invented by Prof. Dr. D. Patkowski and is an extra-corporeal technique that uses one trocar for the camera and uses an subcutaneous knotted suture. Compared to the open technique, the PIRS-technique offers the possibility for contralateral inspection without making an extra incision and, in case of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV), offers the possibility for the simultaneous repair of the CPPV. This prevents the development of a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), one of the most frequent reason for re-operation after open inguinal hernia repair. This will result in less operations, less exposure to general anesthesia, less hospital admissions and less visits to the general practitioner and emergency department.