Our Summary

The research paper discusses a study on the repeated occurrence of inguinal hernia (a condition where the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the groin area) in children after they had laparoscopic hernia repair surgery. The study looked at 51 patients who had this issue between September 2012 and May 2017.

The researchers examined the previous surgical procedures of these patients, focusing on whether the hernia sac was removed or left in place, the type of sutures used (ones that can be absorbed by the body or not), and the ligation method used (purse string or multiple stitches).

In the current procedure, the hernia sac was removed for all patients and the repair was done using non-absorbable sutures. The results showed that none of the patients had to switch from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery. Most patients (84.3%) had their hernia reoccur within a year of their previous surgery. Additionally, about 39.2% of patients had concurrent hydroceles (fluid-filled sac around the testicle), with different types identified.

In the previous surgeries, all patients had their hernia sac left in place, and about 58.8% used absorbable sutures. The purse string method was used in 88.2% of cases. However, after the new procedure, no patient experienced a reoccurrence of the hernia over a follow-up period of 13 to 54 months.

The study concludes that laparoscopic reoperation involving the removal of the hernia sac and repair with non-absorbable sutures is an effective method with low chances of recurrence or complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the focus of the research paper on pediatric hernia repair?
  2. What were the results of the study after the new procedure was implemented?
  3. What were the commonalities in the previous surgeries of the patients who had hernia reoccurrence?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric hernia repair is to ensure that the hernia sac is removed during the surgery and that non-absorbable sutures are used for the repair. This can help reduce the risk of hernia reoccurrence and complications. It is also important to follow up with the doctor regularly to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Suitable For

This research paper specifically focuses on pediatric patients who have had a previous inguinal hernia repair surgery and are experiencing a recurrence of the hernia. Typically, pediatric patients recommended for pediatric hernia repair are those with inguinal hernias that are causing symptoms such as pain or discomfort, or those at risk for complications such as incarceration or strangulation of the hernia. Pediatric patients with recurrent hernias or those with concurrent conditions such as hydroceles may also be recommended for pediatric hernia repair.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient before and after pediatric hernia repair surgery involves experiencing the initial hernia symptoms, undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair surgery, potentially experiencing a reoccurrence of the hernia within a year post-surgery, and then undergoing a second laparoscopic hernia repair surgery with a higher success rate and lower chances of complications or reoccurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pediatric hernia repair based on the study may include:

  1. What is the likelihood of my child experiencing a reoccurrence of the hernia after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?
  2. What is the difference between removing the hernia sac during surgery versus leaving it in place?
  3. What type of sutures will be used for my child’s hernia repair - absorbable or non-absorbable?
  4. What ligation method will be used during the surgery - purse string or multiple stitches?
  5. How long is the typical follow-up period after pediatric hernia repair surgery to monitor for recurrence or complications?
  6. What are the potential risks or complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair in children?
  7. How does the presence of concurrent conditions like hydroceles affect the likelihood of hernia reoccurrence?
  8. Are there any specific factors or criteria that may indicate a higher risk for hernia reoccurrence in my child?
  9. What is the success rate of laparoscopic reoperation for pediatric hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions my child should take after hernia repair surgery to prevent reoccurrence?

Reference

Authors: Lee SR, Park PJ. Journal: Hernia. 2019 Aug;23(4):663-669. doi: 10.1007/s10029-018-1840-y. Epub 2018 Oct 30. PMID: 30377856