Safety analysis of laparoscopic treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia at high altitude

Objective To investigate the safety of laparoscopic high ligation of indirect inguinal hernia in children at high altitude (>3 500 m). Methods From March 2014 to December 2016, 102 cases of pediatric indirect inguinal hernia underwent laparoscopic high ligation in Lhasa People's Hospital, including three-pore method, double-pore method, single-pore method. All operations were performed under pneumoperitoneum, and super-high ligation was obtained. Results 102 cases were successfully operated. 90 cases of unilateral hernia and 12 cases of bilateral hernia were diagnosed before operation. 26 cases (29%) of concealed hernia were found during operation. The average operation time was 25 minutes on unilateral surgery and 35 minutes on bilateral surgery. All the children had stable vital signs and no abnormalities of heart rate and respiration. 95% children were discharged at first day, and the rest were discharged at second day (due to cough after operation). The patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months, 5 of them failed to contact after operation, and no recurrence occurred. Conclusion Laparoscopic high ligation of indirect inguinal hernia in children at high altitude is safe and feasible. It has been gradually popularized in our district because of its small trauma, short anesthesia time, rapid recovery and low recurrence rate. Key words: Hernia, inguinal; Laparoscopes; Child; High ligation; High altitude