Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure (LPEC) Method for the Exploration and Treatment of Inguinal Hernia in Girls

We recently introduced the laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) method for the treatment of girls with inguinal hernia. Using the LPEC method, 129 girls underwent laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. A 5 mm laparoscope was inserted via the umbilicus. A 3 mm "snake retractor" was advanced through the lateral abdominal wall to measure the length of the hernia sac and contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV), respectively. The hernia sac and PPV were closed at the level of the internal inguinal ring with a 2-0 non-absorbable purse-string suture using Lapaherclosure, a special 19G needle that can hold a suture at the tip. The length of the hernial sac was significantly longer than that of contralateral PPV (mean 41 mm; range 18-70 mm; P < 0.05). There were no serious complications associated with the procedure. No recurrence of hernia or metachronous contralateral hernia has been identified so far. This approach enables us to perform contralateral exploration without any additional techniques, followed by immediate and accurate closure of the hernia sac and PPV. We conclude that the LPEC method is a safe and efficacious procedure with a low recurrence rate that should be viewed as an acceptable alternative to the traditional open approach.