Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia in children

Objective To study the results of an improved method of laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernia in children. Methods Between January 1999and October 2003,94 inguinal hernias in 86 children between 2～14 years of age were treated by laparoscopic surgery using a single trocar hole. 54 children showed a right inguinal hernia, 32 a left hernia,and 8 cases presented bilateral hernias. Of the unitaleral hernias, 10 were occult hernias. All the patients were treated by purse-string suture around the internal ring under direct vision with laparoscopy. Results Operative time was from 10-30(average 16) minutes. There were no intra-or post-operative complications. All were followed up for 4-60 months, with no recurrences . Conclusions This method of laparoscopic hernia repair is less traumatic, postoperative recovery is fast and stitch removal is not necessary. It can also be used for the treatment of occult and bilateral inguinal hernias.