Our Summary

This research paper looks at a type of surgery called laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) in children. Inguinal hernias are a common problem in kids, and there isn’t currently a universally agreed upon best treatment. The researchers reviewed the results of all the LIHR procedures done at their hospital.

During the study, 102 children had this surgery. Most of the kids (about 76.5%) were boys and about half a year old on average. About a third of them were newborns when they had the operation. Most of the surgeries (83.3%) were planned ahead of time, rather than being emergencies.

The good news is that there were no injuries during surgery. Most of the children were able to go home the same day they had the surgery. Some kids (18 in total) had the procedure done on both sides.

After the surgery, only about 2% of the children had their hernias come back. This only happened with the first two children who had the surgery, and after the doctors adjusted their technique, there were no more recurrences. There were some complications in about 7% of the cases, but these were mostly minor and could be managed without further surgery.

In conclusion, the researchers found that LIHR is a safe and effective surgery for children with inguinal hernias. It’s associated with a short hospital stay, a low rate of the hernia coming back, and a low rate of complications after surgery. It can be used for both planned and emergency surgeries in kids of all ages.

FAQs

  1. What is the conclusion of the study on pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair?
  2. What was the recurrence rate for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the study?
  3. What was the overall complication rate for pediatric laparoscopic hernia repair in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow postoperative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a period of time as recommended by the surgeon. It is important to follow up with the surgeon for any concerns or complications that may arise during the recovery period.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair include paediatric patients with inguinal hernias, especially those with elective presentations. This technique is safe, feasible, and effective, with a low recurrence rate and low postoperative complication rate. The procedure can be used in a wide age range, including neonates, and can be performed as a day case surgery.

Timeline

  • Prior to laparoscopic hernia repair:
  1. Patient presents with symptoms of inguinal hernia, such as a bulge in the groin area.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination and possibly imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient and healthcare provider discuss treatment options, including open repair and laparoscopic hernia repair.
  4. Patient may undergo preoperative testing and preparation for surgery.
  • After laparoscopic hernia repair:
  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic hernia repair procedure, which typically lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day in most cases.
  3. Patient may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area.
  4. Patient is advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few weeks.
  5. Patient follows up with the surgeon for postoperative check-ups to monitor healing and ensure no complications.
  6. Patient typically returns to normal activities within a few days to a week.
  7. Patient experiences a low recurrence rate and low postoperative complication rate with laparoscopic hernia repair.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open repair for my child?
  2. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair in paediatric patients?
  3. How long will my child need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  4. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with laparoscopic hernia repair in children?
  5. How soon after the surgery can my child resume normal activities and sports?
  6. Will my child need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. What is the likelihood of the hernia recurring after laparoscopic repair?
  8. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair in paediatric patients?
  9. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or medications my child should avoid before or after the surgery?
  10. What alternative treatment options are available for my child’s hernia, and why do you recommend laparoscopic repair?

Reference

Authors: O’Brien L, Hannan E, Hassett S. Journal: Ir J Med Sci. 2023 Feb;192(1):321-326. doi: 10.1007/s11845-022-02975-2. Epub 2022 Mar 22. PMID: 35316454