{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children: Article review and the preliminary Maltese experience.
{Author}: Grech G;Shoukry M;Grech G;Shoukry M;
{Journal}: J Pediatr Surg
{Volume}: 57
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: Jun 2022
{Factor}: 2.549
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.01.042
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>In the past two decades, laparoscopy has provided an alternative approach to inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this review is to carry out a retrospective systematic analysis of articles dealing with laparoscopic hernia repair in children and a review of the Maltese experience.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Data was obtained from publications from 2002 to 2019. The endpoints include: patient demographics, clinical presentations, laparoscopic tools, ports, suture used, technical remarks, length of surgery, hospital stay, complications and follow-up.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>32 studies were included with a total of 10,183 patients. Most articles documented the use of 1 port. Length of surgery ranged from an average of 10 to 138 min. Ipsilateral recurrences were reported in 0.83% of cases, while 0.17% required conversion to open.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In our centre, a population of 514, 564 is covered (16% under the age of 18). A total of 14 cases of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were carried out from August 2018 till October 2020. The neonatal laparoscopic set-up involves a 30⁰ laparoscope, inserted via a 5 mm umbilical port, with 2 stab incisions allowing the use of 3 mm devices. Intra-corporeal purse string suture technique is used. The length of surgery ranged from 1 hr to 2 hr 30 min. There was 1 case of ipsilateral recurrence and another requiring conversion to open surgery.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is a versatile and safe procedure that can be carried out with minimal complications and low reoperation rates.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Level IV.