[A comparative study of trans-umbilicus laparoendoscopic one-trocar surgery and trans-umbilicus and abdominal wall two-trocar surgery in the treatment of pediatric hydrocele].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility and clinical efficacies of umbilical one-trocar laparoendoscopic surgery versus trans-umbilicus and abdominal wall two-trocar laparoendoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric hydrocele.

METHODS

Retrospective comparative analysis was conducted for 78 cases of hydrocele undergoing laparoscopic surgery at our hospital from January 2012 to May 2012. They were divided into two groups of umbilical one-trocar laparoscopic surgery (one-trocar, n = 32) and trans-umbilicus and abdominal wall two-trocar laparoscopic surgery (two-trocar, n = 46). And their profiles of operative duration, post-operative hospital stay and treatment cost were compared.

RESULTS

All procedures were successful. No case converted into open surgery. Visual field of both methods was similar, but two-trocar group had a flexible visual angle. During a follow-up period of 3 - 6 months, there was no occurrence of postoperative complications. The average operative duration was (20 ± 10) min at one side and (31 ± 11) min at both sides in one-trocar group versus (20 ± 8) min and (29 ± 9) min in two-trocar group. There were no statistical significance (all P > 0.05). Cost in one-trocar group was (5199 ± 599) yuan RMB and (5117 ± 684)yuan RMB in two-trocar group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-umbilicus laparoendoscopic one-trocar surgery is both feasible and safe in the treatment of pediatric hydrocele. Compared with two-trocar laparoscopic surgery, both approaches are similar in terms of operative duration, post-operative hospital stay and treatment cost. Since there is a single hidden navel scar, the former is labor-saving, may be handled by one operator and offers better cosmetic outcomes.