[Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous treatment of inguinal hernia in infants]. / Tratamiento percutáneo asistido por laparoscopia de la hernia inguinal infantil.

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to the generalization of minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients some classic techniques are being replaced. Inguinal hernia repair may be an example. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the technique and our first results in 10 patients treated by percutaneous laparoscopic assisted herniotomy. For this purpose we used an umbilical port, for a 5 mm camera and an optional 2 mm grasper. By laparoscopic guidance we make two inguinal punctures with a 20G needle that introduces a non absorbable suture that crosses the whole inguinal defect and allows it closure by extracorporeal knot tying. RESULTS: The ages ranged between 1 month and 8 years with a median age of 10 months. 50% of the patients were boys. 50% of the patients had previous diagnosis of inguinal bilateral hernia. 30% of patients presented a postoperatory diagnosis different from the previous one. The average time of intervention was 32 minutes in bilateral hernias, and 19 in the unilateral ones. Follow-up time was 6 months without complications. The aesthetic result was ideal. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous laparoscopic assisted herniotomy is an effective, simple and feasible option for inguinal hernia in chidren without a high rate of complications.