Laparoscopic inguinal hernia inversion and ligation in female children: a review of 173 consecutive cases at a single institution

PurposeLaparoscopic inguinal hernia inversion and ligation (LIHIL) is a method of hernia repair in which the hernia sac is inverted into the peritoneal cavity and subsequently ligated and excised. Since 2003, 5 surgeons at our institution have been performing LIHIL in girls.MethodsA retrospective review of inguinal hernias in girls from 2003 to 2009 was performed.ResultsTwo hundred forty-one LIHILs were performed on 173 girls. The average age of children undergoing LIHIL was 57 months (range, 1-210 months). Fifteen cases were ex-premature babies (8.7%). Of the unilateral inguinal hernias, 34% were found to have bilateral hernias intraoperatively, and these were repaired at the same operation. There have been no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, there have been no wound complications and 2 recurrences (0.83%). Both recurrences were repaired using an open technique.ConclusionsLaparoscopic inguinal hernia inversion and ligation is a safe and effective operation in girls with a low recurrence rate. Benefits of this procedure include diagnosis and repair of the contralateral side using the same incisions, diagnosis of androgen insensitivity and other dysgenic situations, and excellent cosmesis. This operation is a straightforward technique that can be performed by most pediatric surgeons with basic laparoscopic skills.