Contralateral Inguinal Hernia Research Articles

Incidence of contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia on long term follow-up after unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The repair of inguinal hernias is a common surgical procedure. Some patients will need a second operation after developing a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH). The suggestion has been made to strengthen the contralateral side at the same time as primary unilateral surgery. In this systematic review we aim to determine how many adult patients with a unilateral inguinal hernia will develop a MCIH. This review was reported in line with PRISMA guidelines. We performed a literature review in PubMed Publisher, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library until May 2021, including articles reporting MCIH after unilateral inguinal hernia repair in adults. As outcome measure, the number of patients diagnosed with a MCIH was registered. A total of 19 articles with a total of 277,288 patients were included. The combined estimate for MCIH after meta-analysis equaled 8.3% (95% CI 7.1%-9.5%), with a high index of heterogeneity (I2 = 97.9%). A random-effects meta-regression was performed to obtain the percentage of MCIH as a function of median follow-up time. The percentage of MCIH at 3, 5 and 10years was estimated at 5.2%, 8.0% and 17.1%, respectively. We suggest that there is insufficient clinical evidence to support prophylactic contralateral repair in all patients. We propose a patient-specific approach in the decision to perform prophylactic repair, taking into account potential risk factors for hernia development, type of surgical approach, and general risk factors for chronic postoperative inguinal pain. More long-term prospective data are needed to guide the decision for prophylactic contralateral mesh placement.

Preoperative CT findings predict the development of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia after unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

To identify potential clinical and preoperative CT risk factors that can predict the development of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) after unilateral inguinal hernia repair (IHR). This study included unilateral inguinal hernia patients seen from 2016 to 2019 who underwent CT and subsequent IHR and had at least five years of follow-up. Preoperative CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of asymmetric spermatic cord fat and weakness of the transversalis fascia. The correlations of each CT feature and other clinical characteristics with the development of MCIH were calculated. The Kaplan-Meier model and multiple logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations among CT features, clinical variables and MCIH. A total of 677 male patients aged > 40 years were included in the study cohort. After more than 5 years of follow-up, 162 patients developed MCIH, representing an incidence of 23.9%. Patients with radical prostatectomy or peritoneal dialysis [P < 0.0001, HR 4.189 (95% CI 2.369 to 7.406)], primary left-sided IHR [P = 0.0032, HR 1.626 (95% CI 1.177 to 2.244)], and direct, femoral or pantaloon hernias were predisposed to MCIH. Asymmetric spermatic cord fat [P = 0.0002, HR 1.203 (95% CI 0.8785 to 1.648)] and weakness of the transversalis fascia [P < 0.0001, HR 7.914 (95% CI 5.666 to 11.05)] on preoperative CT were also identified as risk facts and demonstrated to be independent predictive factors for MCIH development. Asymmetric spermatic cord fat and weakness of the transversalis fascia were predictive factors for MCIH development. For decision making regarding prophylactic contralateral IHR at the time of index surgery, preoperative CT findings as well as clinical characteristics should be considered.

Evaluation of the Role of Ultrasonography in Predicting a Metachronous Contralateral Inguinal Hernia in Children

Abstract Background Inguinal hernia remains one of the most common surgical disorders in children. Almost all pediatric hernias are indirect. The incidence of pediatric inguinal hernia is highest during the first year of life and then gradually decreases thereafter. The incidence of contralateral occurrence of an inguinal hernia after unilateral herniorrhaphy has been reported as 5.6 to 22%. The management of the contralateral inguinal hernia in a child with unilateral CIH has been always debated. Routine contralateral exploration of the inguinal canal has been practiced by many surgeons. Routine contralateral exploration may be associated with a high incidence of negative exploration and lengthening of the operative time in addition to possible increasing morbidity in those patients. Aim of the Work This study aims to evaluate the role of preoperative assessment by ultrasonography in predicting contralateral inguinal hernia in children with unilateral inguinal hernia without clinical evidence of contralateral inguinal hernia. Patients and Methods Fifty infants and children presented to pediatric surgery clinic at Ain Shams University and Nasr City Health Insurance Hospitals aged 1 month till 12 years of age complaining of unilateral inguinal hernia without clinical evidence of contralateral inguinal hernia underwent preoperative US. Results Cases with a width of the contralateral side &amp;gt;3.5 mm at the level of the internal ring determined using the US are likely to be at high risk of developing a contralateral hernia with a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 77.5%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 78.4%. Conclusion Ultrasonography is a rapid, sensitive, convenient, and non-invasive method for screening patients with contralateral occult CIH. It is a reliable tool for preventing unnecessary exploration or additional operations at a later stage. It can be performed in all cases of inguinal hernia to determine the necessity for contralateral exploration. Children having a width of contralateral side &amp;gt;3.5 mm at the level of the internal ring determined using the US are likely to be at high risk of developing a contralateral hernia with a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 77.5%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 78.4%.Therefore, we recommend routine preoperative use of ultrasonography for all patients with unilateral CIH to determine which patient should be subjected to a contralateral exploration.

A Survey of Current Approaches to Inguinal Hernia Repair by Pediatric General Surgeons in the United States

IntroductionInguinal hernia repair (IHR) is a common pediatric operation performed via open or laparoscopic approaches. The objective of this survey study was to assess current approaches to IHR in a national sample of pediatric general surgeons. MethodsA REDCap survey was distributed to all pediatric general surgeons at 21 US institutions in 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses. ResultsThe response rate was 70.0% (145/207) with median fellowship graduation year of 2011. Respondents reported they were primarily taught either an open (73.1%) or laparoscopic (6.9%) technique in fellowship, while 18.6% reported being taught both techniques equally. Overall, 60.7% of respondents reported currently performing both laparoscopic and open IHR, while 27.6% reported performing only open IHR and 11.7% reported performing only laparoscopic IHR. During unilateral open IHR, 75.8% of respondents check for and repair a contralateral inguinal hernia, most commonly by placing a laparoscope via the hernia sac (76.3%). Selective mesh use in adolescents was similar between laparoscopic and open repair approaches. For recurrent hernias, 37.2% of respondents indicated performing the approach that was not performed previously, while 38.6% and 22.8% indicated they routinely perform a laparoscopic or open approach, respectively, regardless of initial repair approach. ConclusionOver two thirds of surgeons reported incorporating laparoscopic IHR into their practice despite nearly three-quarters of respondents indicating they were primarily taught an open approach in training. Training in laparoscopic IHR has been increasing over time, and respondents reported a wide variety of laparoscopic and open repair techniques. Level of EvidenceIV.

Laparoscopic iliopubic tract repair for asymptomatic contralateral occult inguinal hernia.

Metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) may occur after unilateral inguinal hernia (IH) repair, potentially as a result of occult IH (OIH). Contralateral OIH can be checked for during laparoscopic transabdominal hernioplasty for the treatment of unilateral IH. This study aims to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic iliopubic tract repair (IPTR) in treating contralateral OIH to reduce MCIH. The medical charts of 3165 patients aged > 18years who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal hernioplasty for unilateral IH from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were categorized into two groups based on contralateral OIH presence: negative OIH (nOIH, 2657 patients) and OIH (508 patients). In cases of OIH, IPTR was performed, involving suturing of the iliopubic tract and transversalis fascia arch. MCIH was indirect in 26 and direct in 4 patients in the nOIH group, and was direct in 3 patients in the OIH group. The incidence of indirect MCIH was higher in the nOIH group than in the OIH (1.0% [n = 26/2657] vs. 0.0% [n = 0/508], p = 0.048). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates, pain scores, return to daily life, or duration of hospitalization between the nOIH and OIH groups. Laparoscopic IPTR for OIH treatment is an effective method for reducing the risk of indirect MCIH.

Effectiveness of preoperative ultrasonography in predicting metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia in children: a single-arm prospective study using a historical control for comparison.

To analyze the value of ultrasonography in predicting metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) and diagnosing contralateral persistent processus vaginalis (CPPV) in children with unilateral inguinal hernia, a prospective study was conducted. All participants underwent a preoperative ultrasound on the contralateral groin. Patients in group A1 received operating procedure according to ultrasound results (patients with negative contralateral US results received hernia repair on the affected side), and patients in group A2 received operation according to laparoscopic results (patients received hernia repair and CPPV ligation). All patients were followed up 2years and compared to a historical control (group B) who underwent open hernia repair only on the affected side regardless of contralateral US results. In groups A1 and A2, laparoscopic exploration revealed the presence of a CPPV in 490 cases. Ultrasound was found to be accurate in 104 out of the 490 cases with four false-positive and 386 false-negative results. This yielded an accuracy of 59.3%, a sensitivity of 21.2%, and a specificity of 99.2%. 10 patients in group A1, and 74 patients in group B developed MCIH. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the value of ultrasonography in predicting MCIH were 89.3%, 52.4%, and 92.5%, respectively. Preoperative ultrasonography of the contralateral groin is currently unable to accurately detect CPPV, but it appears to be a promising method in predicting MCIH by using rigorous diagnosing criteria.

Incidence and risk factors of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia development up to 25years after unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

Patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair (IHR) are at risk of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) development. We evaluated incidence and risk factors of MCIH development up to 25years after unilateral IHR to determine possible indications for concomitant prophylactic surgery of the contralateral groinat the time of primary surgery. Patients between 18 and 70years of age undergoing elective unilateral IHR in the University Hospital of Leuven from 1995 to 1999 were studied retrospectively using the electronic health records and prospectively via phone calls. Study aims were MCIH incidence and risk factor determination. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed and univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were performed. 758 patients were included (91% male, median age 53years). Median follow-up time was 21.75years. The incidence of operated MCIH after 5years was 5.6%, after 15years 16.1%, and after 25years 24.7%. The incidence of both operated and non-operated MCIH after 5years was 5.9%, after 15years 16.7%, and after 25years 29.0%. MCIH risk increased with older age and decreased in primary right-sided IHR and higher BMI at primary surgery. The overall incidence of MCIH after 25-year follow-up is 29.0%. Potential risk factors for the development of a MCIH are primary left-sided inguinal hernia repair, lower BMI, and older age. When considering prophylactic repair, we suggest a patient-specific approach taking into account these risk factors, the surgical approach and the risk factors for chronic postoperative inguinal pain.

Implementing Contralateral Surgical Exploration during Hernia Repair in Children with Unilateral Inguinal Hernia: A Dutch Qualitative Study.

A total of 10-15% of children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair develop a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) that necessitates second anesthesia and surgery. Contralateral exploration can be performed to prevent MCIH development. This study investigates (1) factors that promote or hinder the adoption and (de-)implementation of contralateral groin exploration in children ≤ 6 months undergoing unilateral hernia repair and (2) strategies to overcome these barriers. A qualitative interview study was conducted using 14 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups involving healthcare professionals, stakeholders involved from a patients' perspective and stakeholders at the organizational/policy level. The results show that the effectiveness of surgical treatment and stakeholders' motivation and attitudes towards the intervention were reported as barriers for implementation, whereas patient and family outcomes and experience and strategies to overcome these barriers were identified as facilitating factors for future implementation. This study is unique in its contributions towards insights into facilitators and barriers for (de-)implementation of contralateral groin exploration in children with a unilateral inguinal hernia. In case the HERNIIA trial shows that contralateral exploration is beneficial for specific patient and family outcomes or a subgroup of children, the results of this study can help in the decision-making process as to whether contralateral exploration should be performed or not.

Wound cosmesis problems and other postoperative problems of laparoscopic compared to open paediatric inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis research was executed to appraise the wound cosmesis problems and other postoperative problems of laparoscopic compared to open paediatric inguinal hernia (IH) repair. Inclusive literature research until March 2023 was done and 869 interconnected researches were revised. The 11 picked researches enclosed 3718 paediatric inguinal hernia were in the utilised researches' starting point, 1948 of them were utilising laparoscopic IH repairs, and 1770 were utilising open IH repairs. Odds ratios (ORs) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilised to appraise the wound cosmesis problems and other postoperative problems of laparoscopic compared to open paediatric IH repairs by dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random model. Laparoscopic IH repairs had significantly lower wound cosmesis problems (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.16-0.52, P < .001), metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.49, P = .003), recurrence (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.34-0.99, P = .04) and postoperative problems (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.73, P = .005), and higher wound score (OR, 12.80; 95% CI, 10.09-15.51, P < .001) compared to open paediatric IH. Laparoscopic IH repairs had significantly lower wound cosmesis problems, MCIH, recurrence, and postoperative problems, and a higher wound score compared to open paediatric IH. However, when interacting with its values, caution must be taken since much of the research had low sample sizes.

OC-023 INCIDENCE OF TRUE CONTRALATERAL METACHRONOUS INGUINAL HERNIA ON LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP AFTER UNILATERAL INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Aim The repair of inguinal hernias is one of the most common surgical procedures with few complications. Some patients will need a second operation because of the development of a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH). The suggestion has been made to strengthen the contralateral side at the same time as primary surgery. In this study we aim to determine how many patients, with a unilateral inguinal hernia will develop a MCIH. Methods We performed a literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. As outcome measure, the number of patients diagnosed with a MCIH were registered. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain a summary estimate of the percentage of patients with MCIH. Results A total of 19 articles with a combined total of 277.288 patients who underwent elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were included. The combined estimate for MCIH equaled 8.3% (95%CI: 7.1%-9.5%). A random-effects meta-regression was performed to obtain the percentage of MCIH as a function of the median follow-up time. The percentage of MCIH at 3, 5 and 10 years was estimated as 5.2%, 8% and 17.1%, respectively. Conclusion We believe there is not enough clinical evidence to support the idea of prophylactic contralateral repair. We suggest a patient-specific approach in the decision to perform prophylactic repair, taking into account potential risk factors, type of surgical approach, and general risk factors for chronic postoperative inguinal pain. More long term prospective data are needed to guide the decision for prophylactic contralateral mesh placement in a clinical healthy groin.

Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair Versus Open Repair in Boys with Inguinal Hernia: A Meta-Analysis

Pediatric inguinal hernia is a common surgical problem in boys. Open hernia repair surgery (OH) has been traditionally used to treat this condition, but it leads to complications, such as testicular complications. Laparoscopic hernia repair by using the extraperitoneal method (LHE) is performed through the percutaneous insertion of sutures and extracorporeal closure of patent vaginalis processus; thus, injury to spermatic cord structures is avoided. However, a meta-analysis comparing LHE and OH is lacking. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. A meta-analysis of the retrieved studies was performed, and a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size. The primary outcome was testicular complications, including ascending testis, hydrocele, and testicular atrophy. The secondary outcomes were surgical metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), ipsilateral hernia recurrence, and operation time. In total, 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 non-RCTs involving 17,555 boys were included. The incidence of ascending testis (risk ratio [RR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.78; p=0.008) and MCIH (RR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43; p=0.0002) was significantly lower in LHE than in OH. The incidence of hydrocele, testicular atrophy, and ipsilateral hernia recurrence did not differ between LHE and OH. Compared with OH, LHE led to fewer or equivalent testicular complications without increasing ipsilateral hernia recurrence. Moreover, MCIH incidence was lower in LHE than in OH. Hence, LHE could be a feasible choice with less invasiveness for inguinal hernia repair in boys. Treatment study, LEVEL III.

Incidentally found Bilaterally Occult Femoral Hernia during Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Report

Hernia is defined as an area of anatomical weakness or an abnormal protrusion of a viscous or a part of a viscous through an opening, covering it. Inguinal hernia is the most common hernia because of the presence of natural weakness like the deep ring and cord structures. The minimally invasive procedures for inguinal hernia repair include Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) repair, Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair (TAPP), and Total Extraperitoneal (TEP) repair. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has the advantage of inspecting the entire myopectineal orifice, as it allows for the identification of bilateral or recurrent hernias. The principle behind laparoscopic repair includes strengthening of myopectineal orifice in all the above approaches. TAPP repair is mainly indicated for large indirect hernias or irreducible hernia. TEP repair is technically challenging to perform and has the advantage of avoiding interbowel adhesions as the peritoneum is not opened. IPOM repair is not routinely performed but has advantages in cases where there is an increased risk of spermatic cord injury seen in patients with a history of lower abdominal irradiation or a history of multiple recurrent hernia surgery. Occult contralateral inguinal hernia and the occult femoral hernia can be easily diagnosed and repaired with no extra incisions while performing TAPP repair. These hernias, if left untreated may present as recurrent hernias or as non resolution of symptoms posthernia surgery. A rare case of bilateral occult femoral hernia found during laparoscopic TAPP repair of an inguinal hernia was reported. The entire myopectineal orifice was repaired using the same mesh with no extra risk or cost.

Metachronous Contralateral Occurrence of Hydrocele After Unilateral Hydrocelectomy in Children Younger Than 8 Years.

Hydrocele on the contralateral side after surgical repair is an uncommon condition compared to surgical site recurrence. Although there has been much research on metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia in children, metachronous contralateral hydrocele, which share a common pathology with inguinal hernias, has not yet been investigated. We have investigated the incidence and risk factors for metachronous contralateral occurrence of communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles in children younger than 8 years. From January 2017 to June 2020, 302 children younger than 8 who were diagnosed with unilateral hydroceles were treated in our hospital without surgical exploration of contralateral hydrocele. The disease was classified into communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles. We divided patients into two groups according to the presence of metachronous contralateral hydrocele and analyzed the differences between the two groups. Among 302 patients, the mean age was 36.4 ± 20.9 months. Metachronous contralateral hydrocele occurred in 15 (4.9%) patients as communicating hydroceles. Comparison between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in type of hydrocele (P = 0.047) at first diagnosis. Clinically evident risk of metachronous contralateral hydrocele after unilateral hydrocelectomy was 4.9%. Despite the relatively low incidence rate, the risk of metachronous contralateral occurrence should always be consulted with parents before surgical treatment of hydroceles.

A Case of Amyand’s Hernia Variant

The presence of vermiform appendix as the content of inguinal hernia is termed Amyand’s hernia (AH). It is a very rare entity as most of the time contents of hernia are omentum and small bowel. Very often AH is asymptomatic and diagnosed intra-operatively. Amyand’s hernia (AH) is classified into four sub-types depending on clinical features and the status of the appendix. But this time we encountered per-operatively entirety different findings of Amyand’s hernia. Treatment of Obstructed inguinal hernia is only surgery, but dealing with Amyand’s hernia (AH) is based on the patient condition and type of Amyand’s hernia. So, treatment of this hernia remains controversial, different strategies should be applied to different case

Asymptomatic contralateral inguinal and ventral hernias among people with a workers' compensation claim for hernia.

There is a gap in evidence that demonstrates an increased risk of hernia formation in laborers. A notable incidence of a second asymptomatic hernia among people making a workers' compensation claim for a hernia would suggest that the pathology is not acute and probably not related to work, or the performance of a single strenuous event. We performed a retrospective database study of a consecutive sample of 106 adults who claimed a work-related abdominal hernia between September 2016 and December 2018 and had a Computed Tomography (CT) scan as part of a diagnostic workup. Hernias were classified as incidental if patients had a contralateral inguinal hernia with unilateral groin symptoms, or if patients had a ventral hernia with only groin symptoms or vice versa. Thirty-three percent of patients had an incidental hernia. No patient factors were associated with having an incidental hernia. Higher BMI and having a concurrent incidental hernia were associated with lower odds of surgical treatment under the injury claim. Abdominal symptoms after a work event might lead to a diagnosis of hernia, and there is a notable likelihood that the hernia is incidental and unrelated to work. New symptoms at or near the site of an abdominal hernia may or may not be from the hernia, and very often are more consistent with an abdominal muscle strain. The clinical or imaging finding of an abdominal wall defect or the presence of a hernia may be incidental, unrelated to the physical activity.

P-092 LAPAROSCOPIC TRANS-PERITONEAL HERNIOPLASTY (TAPP) IN EMERGENCY

Abstract The aim efficacy and technical feasibility of TAPP operation by analyzing patients operated on incarcerated inguino-crural hernia in emergency setting. Materials and methods In 1 year, we enrolled 8 urgent incarcerated hernia patients operated using laparoscopic trans-peritoneal approach (TAPP) operated on acutely for inguino-crural incarcerated hernia associated with suspected visceral ischemic damage. Results We repaired 6 inguinal incarcerated hernia and 2 cases of crural hernia. Among 6 inguinal hernia, only one was recurrent. In one case the laparoscopic approach permitted to exclude an obstructed Spigelian hernia diagnosed through tomography. In another case, TAPP allowed to diagnose omental incarcerated Spigelian hernia. In 3 cases this approach permitted to diagnose concomitant unknown wall defects. All cases presented signs of small bowel obstruction. The content of the sac in three cases was small bowel, in other three cases it was omentum, and in other two cases it contained lipoma. None of the cases were converted to open technique. The operative average time was 95 min; the average hospital stay was 1.5 days. No chronic pain or recurrences were observed after a mean follow up time of 8 months. Conclusions The repair of complicated inguino-crural with TAPP in emergency is not a standard treatment. In our experience the laparoscopic approach allowed a safe reduction of hernia, the observation of the feature of hernia content, the diagnosis and repair of unknown wall defect, and a crural defects and contralateral inguinal hernia.

P-048 DOES BILATERAL REPAIR INCREASE COMPLICATION RATES COMPARED TO UNILATERAL REPAIR IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL INGUINAL HERNIA SURGERY?

Abstract Introduction There is ongoing debate over whether to fix asymptomatic contralateral inguinal hernias during repair of the presenting hernia. This study reviewed the practice of one high-volume hernia surgeon, comparing unilateral and bilateral laparoscopic repairs, to establish if bilateral repair is associated with an increased risk of post-operative complications compared to unilateral repair. Material &amp; Methods All patients operated on within a 5-year period were audited and subcategorised depending on whether they underwent unilateral or bilateral repair. Data was collected on complication rates, rates of recurrence, readmission within 30 days and duration of operation. Results 186 patients underwent repair of 265 hernias. 79 patients underwent bilateral repair. 25 patients suffered a complication (13.4%). Complication rates were 11.2% and 16.5% in the unilateral group and bilateral group respectively (p=0.50). These included superficial infection (1.9% vs 1.3%, p=0.75), haematoma (5.6% vs 7.6%, p=0.59), seroma (2.8 vs 7.6%, p=0.13), and chronic pain (0% vs 2.5%, p=0.01). There were no mesh infections, persisting numbness or explantation in either arm. In both groups, median nights stayed was 0. At median length of follow-up of 1.8 years, recurrence rates were 1.9% vs 0% in the unilateral and bilateral arms respectively (p=0.22). Conclusions There was no significant difference in rates of complications between the bilateral and unilateral arms. Opportunistic repair may reduce risk of future surgeries and morbidity and does not appear to be associated with increased complications. Surgeons may wish to consider this when consenting patients.

Comparison of laparoscope-assisted single-needle laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure versus open repair for pediatric inguinal hernia

BackgroundLaparoscopic-assisted repairs for pediatric inguinal hernia have gained gradual acceptance over the past decade. However, consensus about the optimal management is still lacking. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes of a modified laparoscope-assisted single-needle laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) versus open repair of pediatric hernias/hydrocele in a single institution.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical data of children who underwent laparoscope-assisted single-needle LPEC and open repair (OR) for inguinal hernia from 2014 to 2019. Data collection included demographics, laterality of hernia, surgical time and time to follow-up. We also reviewed and analyzed the evidence of recurrence, the incidence of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), and other complications.ResultsIn our cohort, 961 patients in the OR group and 1098 patients in the LPEC group were analyzed retrospectively. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the LPEC group (22.3 ± 3.5 min) than in the OR group (27.8 ± 5.9 min) for bilateral hernia repair (p < 0.001). Postoperative recurrence was 1.3% (13/1035) in the OR group and 0.5% (6/1182) in the LPEC group (p = 0.056). Iatrogenic cryptorchidism occurred statistically more frequently in the OR group than in the LPEC group (0.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.013). In addition, the incidence of MCIH was 3.7% (33/887) in the OR group and 0.3% (3/1014) in the LPEC group (p < 0.01).ConclusionComparing to open technique, laparoscope-assisted single-needle LPEC provides a simple and effective option for pediatric inguinal hernia/hydrocele repair with excellent outcomes, a low incidence of recurrence, and reduced MCIH.

Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in infants: an initial experience.

Inguinal hernia repair is a common operation performed in children. In Australia, open repair (OR) continues to be the preferred method of treatment in infants, despite laparoscopic repair (LR) gaining popularity amongst some international centres. Our aim was to analyse initial outcomes with LR at our paediatric centre. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients <1year of age who received LR or OR between January 2017 and July 2021 at our institution. Data were retrieved from both electronic and scanned medical records. Data were analysed using an unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's exact test or simple linear regression. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. A total of 376 patients were identified: LR was performed in 73 patients, and OR in 303 patients. Bilateral repair was more common amongst patients receiving LR: 56.2% versus 21.5%, P= 0.0001, treating either a symptomatic hernia or an intra-operative contralateral inguinal defect (70%). All LR patients received general anaesthetic, compared to 82.8% of patients in the OR group, P= 0.0001. There were no recurrences following LR and 3 with OR (P= 1.0). The metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia rate following OR was 10% (21/206). There was no significant difference in other complications, including wound infection, haematoma, testicular atrophy, and hydrocele formation. In our population OR was performed more often than LR. Operative complication rates were equivalent between OR and LR groups. However, infants that underwent OR were significantly more likely to develop a MCIH.

Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure for Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck in Children.

Background: Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck (HCN) is a rare cause of inguinal swelling in women. The optimal surgical procedure for HCN in children remains unclear. To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for HCN in a pediatric population, a retrospective study was conducted. In addition, to clarify the pathogenesis of HCN, we assessed the morphological findings of the internal inguinal ring (IIR). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 consecutive female patients with HCN who underwent LPEC at our hospital between January 2010 and May 2020. Age, operative time, and complications were recorded. Concerning the findings of the IIR, we classified the morphological features as follows: Type 1 (flat), Type 2 (narrow patent processus vaginalis [PPV] with a peritoneal veil), and Type 3 (widely opening PPV). Results: The median age of patients who underwent LPEC was 3 (1-12) years. Although 2 patients showed contralateral inguinal hernia (IH), there were no cases of ipsilateral IH. All patients showed ipsilateral PPV, and the morphological features of the IIR were mostly classified as Type 3 (70%). In total, 6 of 8 HCN cases without preoperatively diagnosed contralateral IH had contralateral PPV (75%), and all were closed by LPEC. All operations were accomplished laparoscopically, and the postoperative course was uncomplicated, with no recurrences observed during the study period. Conclusions: LPEC is a safe and simple surgical approach to repair the HCN in children with minimal complications.