Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair in Infancy and Childhood

Ethical Consideration:

The protocol will be discussed and approved for clinical study by the Ethical Research Committee of our University. The procedures and the aim of the study are clearly explained to the patient and the family. A written informed consent is obtained before enrollment of the patients into the study. The family refusal to give consent for laparoscopic hernia repair by either technique does not deprive the patient from getting surgical care by open herniotomy

• In the 2 groups, after induction of general endotracheal tube anesthesia, the patient is positioned supine in Trendelenburg's position. Insertion of the main umbilical port [5-mm] by open technique will be done for 5-mm 30° telescope, then pneumoperitoneum will be created to a pressure of 8-12 mmHg.

Laparoscopy will be used for initial visualization of the pelvis and internal inguinal rings on both sides. In group I, the laparoscopic hernia repair will be done according to a technique described by Scheir Two 3-mm trocars are inserted under laparoscopic guidance at the level of umbilicus in mid-clavicular line on either side as working ports unilateral hernia, on the side of hernia can be little higher and opposite side little lower, for better triangulation. In infants and small babies, the working ports are placed little higher than the level of umbilicus.

Non absorbable 3-0 Prolene suture is used in all patients after its shortening to 8cm.length.

Group I, laparoscopic closure of hernia sac at internal inguinal ring in continuity using 3 - 0 non-absorbable purse-string suture. The spermatic vessels and vas deferens are well visualized and protected during the suture. In all cases, hydro dissection can be done by injection of saline to separate the peritoneum from cord structures. Two 3-mm.needle holders are used for intracorporeal insertion of purse string suture around the opened IIR with intracorporeal knot tying. The stitches included the peritoneum and the underlying muscular tissue lateral to the spermatic cord. The procedure is modified in children with a dilated internal ring. Ligature of the hernia sac at internal inguinal ring (IIR) is inadequate in such cases. Here, laparoscopic narrowing of IIR by few interrupted sutures will be done.

Group II, circumferential incision on the peritoneum at IIR will be started to separate hernia sac from the peritoneum. Initial disconnection of the vas and vessels will be done and then the peritoneum posterior to the internal ring will be divided and then the anterior disconnection will be carried out. Saline can be injected to separate the peritoneum from cord structures (hydro dissection). Care is taken not to damage the vas and vessels by handling them. Then the proximal part of the sac will be sutured using non-absorbable 3-0 prolene on round body needle. Closure: In both groups, supra-umbilical incision will be closed with polyglycolic acid 3-0 suture. Three mm trocar sites will be approximated with the steri-strips.

Inclusion criteria

Bilateral congenital inguinal hernia (CIH), recurrent cases, unilateral cases with questionable other side, parental request and cases with CIH associated with umbilical hernia.

Exclusion criteria

Hernia of canal of Nuck in females, Inguinal hernia with undescended testis, Parental refusal, Contraindications for laparoscopy as lower major abdominal surgery