Inversion herniotomy: a laparoscopic technique for female inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic inversion herniotomy (LIH) is a method of inguinal hernia repair for female patients. In this article, we report our technique and outcomes for this procedure. We propose that LIH is a valid alternative to conventional open herniorraphy.

METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, we reviewed the charts of patients who underwent LIH or open inguinal hernia repair (OIH) from 2004 to 2007. LIH was performed with three instrument sites and no groin incision. The diagnosis, operative time, and complications were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 5 months to 4 years.

RESULTS: We performed 79 LIH repairs (15 bilateral, 23 left, and 26 right) in 63 female children. We also performed 76 contemporaneous OIH repairs in girls. The age range was 1 month to 18 years (median, 3.8 years). Operative times for both the unilateral and bilateral LIH repairs were significantly shorter than those for OIH (P = 0.001). There were 2 recurrences after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, both within 5 months following repair early in our experience, compared to no hernia recurrences with OIH. The first recurrence was repaired conventionally via an open technique. The second case was repaired laparoscopically.

CONCLUSIONS: LIH is an effective method for the repair of pediatric indirect inguinal hernia in female patients. The procedure allows the evaluation of the asymptomatic contralateral side without the necessity of a second long inguinal incision.