A novel technique for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children: single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure assisted by an optical forceps.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and report the results of our new pediatric inguinal hernia repair technique, in which single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SPEC) technique was modified by using optical foreign-body forceps (OFF) of the rigid bronchoscope. Between January 2012 and January 2014, a total of 79 children who were operated using SPEC assisted with OFF (SPEC-OFF) were included in this study. Demographic and clinical features of the children were obtained and reviewed retrospectively. Ninety-nine hernia repairs were performed on a total of 79 children (51 boys, 28 girls). All of the patients were operated by SPEC-OFF without the need of introducing extra forceps, with or without an additional trocar. The mean operating time was 17.6 ± 5.5 min. The mean follow-up period was 17.5 ± 7.1 months. There were six recurrences (two boys, four girls). No wound infection, hydroceles or testicular atrophy occurred in any patients during post-surgery follow-up. The technique left a very small scar with excellent cosmesis in the umbilicus and groin area. SPEC-OFF is a simple, safe and effective technique for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, and for determining contralateral hernia. There is no need to use additional working forceps for the technique and the surgeon can perform the procedure without any assistance for laparoscope.