Needlescopic inguinal hernia repair in children

Pediatr Surg Int. 2002 Mar;18(2-3):153-6. doi: 10.1007/s003830100655.

Abstract

The object of the present study was to assess the value and outcome of needlescopy in the treatment of inguinal hernia (IH) in 150 children operated upon in Al-Mishary Hospital, Riyadh, between October 1997 and October 1999. Their ages ranged between 6 and 96 months, (mean 61.6 +/- 28.32 months). There were 130 males and 20 females; 81 (54%) presented with a right-sided IH and among these patients a hidden contralateral hernia was diagnosed in 12 cases (8%). A left-sided IH was present in 30 (20%) bilateral IHs in 19 cases (12.66%), a recurrent hernia in 15 (10%), and an incarcerated hernia in 5 (3.33%). All patients were subjected to needlescopic herniotomy using a 2.7-mm telescope and two 2-mm needle holders to close the internal ring with a 4/0 PDS suture. The mean duration of surgery was 20.6 +/- 4.65 min for unilateral and 26.4 +/- 1.6 min for bilateral hernia repair. The mean hospital stay was 18 +/- 3.23 h. The study showed that laparoscopic closure of the internal ring in children is feasible, easy, and preferable to open surgery. The fact that laparoscopy can diagnose a hidden contralateral hernia is an additional advantage.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hernia, Inguinal / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Inguinal / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suture Techniques
  • Treatment Outcome