Laparoscopic hernia sac transection and intracorporeal ligation show very low recurrence rate in pediatric inguinal hernia

Background: There are many variable techniques for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of the laparoscopic hernia technique, which is based on the same surgical principles as conventional open herniotomy. Subjects and Methods: Between November 2008 and August 2011, 207 pediatric patients with inguinal hernia were included in this study under informed consent. All of the patients underwent the laparoscopic technique of sac transection and intracorporeal ligation. An asymptomatic contralateral patent processus vaginalis (cPPV) was repaired using the same method. Patients were routinely followed for 2 years. Perioperative complications and recurrence rate were evaluated. Results: In total, 202 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. The mean follow-up period was 12.5 months. The percentage of patients with cPPV was 39.2%. The mean operation time was 26 minutes for unilateral hernias and 34 minutes for bilateral hernias. One patient had a mild hematoma in the inguinal area in the immediate postoperative period, but it resolved spontaneously within 7 days. Recurrence and metachronous hernias have not been observed thus far. Conclusions: Laparoscopic hernia sac transection and intracorporeal ligation can be a safe and effective alternative for conventional herniotomy.