Current concepts in the management of inguinal hernia and hydrocele in pediatric patients in laparoscopic era

Pediatric femoral hernia in the laparoscopic era

“…The laparoscopic approach offers better visualization of the abdominal wall anatomy and provides certainty about the diagnosis. In addition, it enables surgeons to visualize and simultaneously repair undiagnosed hernias, which may eliminate the need for a second surgery with anesthesia . One of our patients had an asymptomatic contralateral femoral hernia that was discovered and successfully repaired during laparoscopy.…”

“…Some pediatric surgeons have never seen a femoral hernia, despite performing inguinal hernia repair quite often . The diagnosis of groin hernias is clinical, based on history and examination . A bulge in the upper thigh just below the groin is considered to be the most important component of the history.…”

Management of paediatric hernia

“…22 Parents should be made aware that following repair on one side, development of a hernia on the contralateral side can occur. 21 Incarcerated hernias present as an irreducible lump in the groin.…”

“…This has introduced confounding factors such as learning curves, unit experience, and robust follow-up. 22 The field is divided over whether open is better than laparoscopic surgery. Both are regarded as safe procedures.…”

“…the natural course of a patent processus vaginalis is uncertain and it is unclear whether there is a benefit to repairing an asymptomatic patent processus vaginalis. 22 These questions will remain unanswered until there is a well designed, long term prospective randomised trial study.…”