Comparison of Laparoscope-Assisted Single-Needle Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure versus Open Repair for Pediatric Inguinal Hernia

Background: Laparoscopic repairs have gained gradual acceptance in pediatric inguinal hernia over the past decade. However, consensus about the optimal management is still lacking. The aim of this study is to present a modified single-needle laparoscopic approach with the assistance of a laparoscope and to evaluate the surgical outcomes in comparison with traditional open repair method. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of children who underwent laparoscope-assisted single-needle laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) and open repair (OR) for inguinal hernia from 2014 to 2019. Data were reviewed and analyzed with respect to the operating time, the incidence of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), recurrence, and other complications. Results: In 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). 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). Conclusion: Based on the current outcomes, laparoscope-assisted single-needle LPEC provides a simple and attractive option for the administration of pediatric patients with inguinal hernia/hydrocele to reduce the MCIH.