Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic intracorporeal inguinal hernia ligation in infants under 1 year of age.

BACKGROUND

The majority of current literature regarding laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair group all their pediatric patients together. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic intracorporeal inguinal hernia ligation under the age of 1 year to ascertain if there were hidden advantages or limitations in this particular group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients under the age of 1 year at time of laparoscopic intracorporeal inguinal hernia ligation by a single pediatric surgeon were identified. Data were obtained from case notes, hospital electronic records, and parental telephone consultation.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen patients under the age of 1 year underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair from November 2003 to October 2010. The male:female ratio was 4:1. The mean corrected age at surgery was 15.5 (range, 3-42) weeks, and the mean weight at surgery was 5.3 (range, 1.9-9.8) kg. All patients' case notes and electronic records were accessed. Forty-two percent of parents were contactable (mean of 4 years following surgery). There was one recurrence on the asymptomatic side in a boy that presented 3 years later. Five patients required orchidopexy following laparoscopic hernia repair, although 3 cases were known to be undescended at the time of surgery. One patient had intermittent ipsilateral groin swelling that resolved spontaneously after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic intracorporeal inguinal hernia ligation in patients under the age of 1 year is safe and effective. Recurrence rates may be lower than those in patients under 1 year of age undergoing a traditional open repair. However, there may be a higher rate iatrogenic of cryptorchidism in this laparoscopic group.