Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Absorbable versus non-absorbable suture in percutaneous laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children: a systematic
Mingjie Shi1, Dazhou Wu2, Xuefeng Miao3
1Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, 313000, People's Republic of China.
Insights
For pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, absorbable sutures (AS) reduce knot reactions but increase recurrence risk compared to non-absorbable sutures (NAS). No differences were found in hydrocele or wound infection rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Materials Science
Background:
- Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is a common pediatric surgical procedure.
- The choice of suture material impacts surgical outcomes, including recurrence and complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare outcomes of absorbable sutures (AS) versus non-absorbable sutures (NAS) in pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
- To evaluate differences in recurrence rates and suture-related complications between AS and NAS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
- Meta-analysis of four studies involving 2803 patients (AS) and 3507 patients (NAS).
- Calculation of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess outcomes.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in postoperative hydrocele or wound infection rates between AS and NAS groups.
- Significantly lower suture knot reactions observed with AS (OR = 0.03, P < 0.0001).
- Significantly higher recurrence risk associated with AS compared to NAS (OR = 7.80, P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- Absorbable sutures offer benefits by reducing knot reactions in pediatric hernia repair.
- However, AS are linked to an increased risk of hernia recurrence.
- Clinical decisions on suture material should weigh the trade-off between reduced knotting complications and increased recurrence risk.
Purpose:
The optimal suture material for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of absorbable sutures (AS) versus non-absorbable sutures (NAS), focusing on recurrence and suture-related complications.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies comparing AS and NAS in pediatric patients were included. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed- or random-effects models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results:
Four studies comprising 2803 patients in the AS group and 3507 in the NAS group were included. No significant differences were observed between AS and NAS for postoperative hydrocele (OR = 5.12, 95% CI 0.61-42.67; P = 0.13) or wound infection (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.44-2.01; P = 0.91). Suture knot reaction was significantly lower in the AS group (OR = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.15; P < 0.0001). However, recurrence risk was significantly higher in the AS group (OR = 7.80, 95% CI 2.14-28.45; P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
Absorbable sutures significantly reduce suture knot reactions but are associated with a higher risk of recurrence compared to non-absorbable sutures. No significant differences were found for hydrocele or wound infection. Suture selection should balance these risks based on clinical priorities.
