ABSTRACT
Congenital inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly encountered paediatric surgical procedures. With advancements in minimal access surgery, there is an increasing inclination towards the repair of paediatric inguinal hernia (PIH) laparoscopically over an open procedure. Currently, a single port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure, a simple and reliable method, is being used widely. METHODS100 patients with PIH were treated using a single port LPEC technique from August 2014 to July 2018. The study was conducted with a modified LPEC technique using a Tuohy needle. The deep ring was encircled with the help of Tuohy needle under laparoscopic visualization and a suture was passed through it. The needle was then used to encircle the ring from the opposite side and the initial suture was retrieved with the help of a loop, and a purse string was created to obliterate the deep ring with extracorporeal knotting. RESULTS100 congenital hernias were repaired by LPEC method. Mean age was 5.85 ± 2 years. Male to female ratio was 7.3 : 1. 96% of cases were unilateral and 4 % were bilateral preoperatively. PPV was found in 8% of cases intraoperatively. Mean operating time was 22.08 ± 10.2 and 27.6 ± 11.47 minutes for unilateral and bilateral cases respectively. There were no intraoperative complications and no recurrences. Only one patient developed wound infection. CONCLUSIONSLPEC of hernial sac using a Tuohy needle is a safe and effective method for the repair of PIH. It is easy to perform, faster, and offers good cosmesis with cure for imminent contralateral hernias.