Percutaneous internal ring suturing is a safe and effective method for the minimal invasive treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia: Experience with 250 cases

Background/PurposePercutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) is a minimally invasive method for repair of pediatric inguinal hernia. In this study we report our experience with PIRS.MethodsAll children > 10 kg presenting to our institute between June 2013 and March 2015 with a diagnosis of indirect inguinal hernia or communicating hydrocele underwent laparoscopic repair using PIRS technique. Patients' gender, age at surgery, side of inguinal hernia/communicating hydrocele at diagnosis, peroperative findings, surgical and anesthesia times plus follow-up findings were collected.ResultsTwo-hundred thirteen patients underwent 250 procedures. Inguinal hernia or communicating hydrocele was diagnosed on the right side in 113 (53.1%), the left side in 75 (35.2%) and bilaterally in 25 patients (11.7%). Contralateral hernia was found in 35 patients (16.4%). Mean surgery time was 14.3 min for unilateral and 20.4 min for bilateral PIRS, and mean anesthesia time was 33.6 min for unilateral and 39.1 min for bilateral PIRS. Average follow-up time was 9.6 months. Recurrence was seen in 3 (1.4%) and complications in 6 patients (2.8%).ConclusionPIRS is a simple, safe and effective method for the treatment of inguinal hernia and communicating hydrocele in children.