Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether LPEC can be a standard surgical procedure for pediatric inguinal hernia (IH) in both male and female patients by comparing with the Potts method.
Method: One hundred seven patients (44 males, 63 females) underwent LPEC from 2011 to 2014. Seventy-one patients (38 males, 33 females) underwent the Potts method from 2008 to 2010. The clinical records were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: In male unilateral IH patients, the mean operation times of LPEC and the Potts method were 35 and 28 min (p < 0.05), whereas in bilateral IH patients, they were 43 and 59 min (p < 0.05), respectively. In female unilateral IH patients, the mean operation times of LPEC and the Potts method were same 27 min, whereas in bilateral IH patients, they were 36 and 42 min, respectively. No surgical complication was observed for both LPEC and the Potts method. During laparoscopic observation, the incidences of contralateral patent processus vaginalis were 42.9% in males and 60.3% in females. No metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia developed in patients who underwent LPEC; however, 6 patients (8.5%) who underwent the Potts method developed this type of hernia. As to the completion rate of day surgery, there were no significant differences between the two groups (LPEC, 98.7%; Potts method, 94.4%).
Conclusions: The presented clinical comparison between LPEC and the Potts method showed no disadvantage of LPEC. An advantage of LPEC was found, namely, it can prevent contralateral IH. Thus, the authors conclude that LPEC can be a standard surgical procedure for inguinal hernia in both male and female patients.
