RESUMO
Objective To compare surgical outcomes between laparoscopic high ligation and conventional procedure in the treatment of inguinal hernia.Methods High ligation of the hernial sac was performed in 94 patients with indirect inguinal hernia and communicating hydrocele between July 2002 and December 2004.Forty-four patients were treated laparoscopically by using a self-made hooked sledge-shaped needle(Laparoscopic Group),whereas conventional open procedure was conducted in 50 patients(Conventional Group).Results As compared with the Conventional Group,the Laparoscopic Group presented shorter operating time(18?5 min vs 27?8 min,t=-6.436,P=0.000),less postoperative analgesic requirement(5 patients vs 14 patient,?2 =4.017,P=0.045),shorter hospitalization length(3.2?1.2 d vs 7.3?1.9 d,t=-12.311,P=0.000),and higher total expenditure(2965.5?516.7 yuan vs 2389.7?372.3 yuan,t=-6.251,P=0.000).Conclusions Compared to conventional procedure,laparoscopic high ligation of hernial sac has advantages of minimal invasion,less pain,quicker recovery,shorter hospitalization,and better cosmetic results.It is an ideal procedure for treating pediatric indirect inguinal hernia and communicating hydrocele.