BackgroundLaparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) has become a common procedure for repairing inguinal hernia. As a laparoscopic approach, pediatric surgical trainees require more training to learn LPEC than a traditional open approach. This study aimed to clarify the experience needed to acquire the skill to perform LPEC adequately.MethodsThis descriptive single-center study used clinical data from patients who underwent LPEC between May 2009 and May 2016. The mean operative time for ten consecutive unilateral repairs was used as an index of proficiency with the procedure. The number of repairs performed before the mean operative time became less than 20 min was evaluated for each trainee.ResultsDuring the study period, six pediatric surgical trainees participated in the training independently. The number of the patients was 987. The total number of repairs was 1436, including 538 unilateral repairs and 449 concurrent bilateral repairs. Overall, the mean operative time was 21.8 ± 8.1 min for unilateral repair and 31.4 ± 9.7 min for concurrent bilateral repairs. The mean number of repairs performed before the acquisition of skill for dexterous LPEC was 125.1 ± 29.5.ConclusionsAlthough there were individual differences, all trainees acquired the skill to perform LPEC adequately within one year. With appropriate guidance, LPEC can become a standard technique for pediatric surgical trainees, along with traditional open surgery. These results provide valuable information for planning LPEC training.

We report a case of a choledochal cyst (CC) associated with accessory hepatic duct (AHD) and review the literature, focusing on biliary reconstruction. CC is only rarely associated with AHD. Intra-operative endoscopy is invaluable for confirming anatomical relations and highly recommended for routine use. Reconstructive surgery is feasible for AHD in CC cases.

We report a surgical technique that we developed to facilitate complete excision of rectourethral fistula (RUF)in male patients with imperforate anus (IA). A 6-month-old boy with rectobulbar urethral fistula (bulbar-RUF)had laparoscopic repair of IA. During laparoscopic dissection of the RUF, a fine flexible endoscope was inserted into the rectum through an opening made in the anterior rectal wall. Endoscopy of the rectum allowed the level of laparoscopic dissection to be observed intraluminally, allowing the bulbar-RUF to be excised exactly at its distal end. He is well after follow-up of 9 months with no evidence of residual RUF on radiologic investigations.We have since used this technique to treat another IA patient with prostatic-RUF successfully.

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Complete covered cloacal exstrophy (CCCE) is extremely rare. The anatomy of CCCE is complex and often unique, and each case must be treated individually. We present the case of a 5-year-old girl with CCCE whom we treated successfully with great improvement in her quality of life.