Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing for the Minimal Invasive Treatment of Pediatric Inguinal Hernia: A 5-Year Single Surgeon Experience.

PURPOSE Percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique of laparoscopic hernia repair in children under the control of a laparoscope placed in the umbilicus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management and postoperative outcomes of PIRS for inguinal hernia repair in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS All children who underwent PIRS for an inguinal hernia, between February 2015 and February 2020, were included in the prospective cohort study. The following parameters were recorded: age, gender, body mass index, lateralization of hernia, surgical and anesthesia times, level of pneumoperitoneum, additional trocar introduction, length of hospital stay, and intraoperative or postoperative complications and recurrences were recorded. RESULTS A total number of 228 PIRS procedures were performed in 188 children [126 (67%) male individuals and 62 (33%) female individuals] with a median age of 4 [interquartile range (IQR), 2 to 6] years and a median follow-up of 46 (IQR, 38 to 52) months. From the total number of hernia repairs there were 99 (52.7%) right, 49 (26.1%) left, and 40 (21.2%) bilateral hernia repairs. Median surgical time was 10 (IQR, 8 to 12) minutes for unilateral and 16 (IQR, 14 to 20) minutes for a bilateral repair. The median hospital stay was 24 (IQR, 8 to 24) hours. Regarding intraoperative complications, only 3 (1.3%) inferior epigastric veins injuries were recorded, without any consequences. During the follow-up period in 3 male children, hydrocele was recorded; in 2 cases, hydrocele resolved spontaneously and 1 required surgical treatment. No cases of other complications including testicular atrophy or recurrence were recorded. CONCLUSION In a hands of an experienced pediatric laparoscopic surgeon, PIRS is a simple, safe, and effective technique for inguinal hernia repair in children with excellent outcomes, cosmetic results, and a low incidence of complications and recurrence.