RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernias in children remains controversial. The inguinal approach is the only recommended procedure nowadays. The aim of our series was to precise the results of this technique and its advantages. POPULATION AND METHODS: We report our preliminary experience in laparoscopy for inguinal hernias in 212 children. RESULTS: Laparoscopy allowed us to discover 26 controlateral hernias not previously diagnosed, 3 direct hernias with 1 of them associated with a patent process vaginalis, 2 femoral hernias associated with a patent process vaginalis, 1 double pouch hernia and 1 volvulus of a cyst developed from a patent process vaginalis. In case of recurrence after an inguinal approach, laparoscopy seemed to be helpful to evaluate the anatomical lesion. We observed only 1 recurrence. DISCUSSION: Indications for laparoscopy in case of inguinal hernia in children are reviewed and discussed in the literature. Laparoscopic diagnosis for a precise diagnosis is no more discussed. Various techniques were proposed in case of laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernias in children: most of surgeons realized only a suture of the sac. We prefer to dissect all the sac in order to avoid any recurrence. Advantages of laparoscopic approach become more obvious after the age of 2 years when the opening of the parietal wall is required in case of an inguinal approach and when local anaesthesia is no more recommended. The opportunity to diagnose a bilateral hernia when non diagnosed before surgery or to discover a femoral or a direct hernia, or in case of recurrence after an inguinal approach, the atraumatic dissection of the vas and spermatic vessels at the level of the internal inguinal ring, are the main advantages for laparoscopy.