A Modified Single-port Technique for the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pediatric Inguinal Hernias with High Ligation of the Vaginal Process: the Initial Experience

The aim of this study is to evaluate a modified single-port technique for treating pediatric inguinal hernias (PIH) with high ligation of the vaginal process by combining the use of a ureteroscope and a custom-made puncture guide under pneumoperitoneum. The cases of 86 patients with PIH who underwent the procedure in our institution were reviewed. All of the operations were completed uneventfully. The median operative times for unilateral and bilateral lesions were 11 min (range, 8-15 min) and 16 min (range, 12-20 min), respectively. All of the patients were discharged from the hospital on the day of surgery. No massive hemorrhages or infections were reported. The median follow-up was 15 months (range, 12-24 months), during which no recurrences were reported. In conclusion, with the aid of a ureteroscope and a modified custom-made puncture suit, the described single-port technique allowed easier induction of the ligation suture and a shorter operative time than other methods reported previously. However, the determination of long-term efficacy requires additional studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times.