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Choice of Repairing Inguinal Hernia in Children: Open Versus Laparoscopy

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Abstract

Inguinal hernia is a common disorder of childhood that requires surgical repair at diagnosis. Traditionally, it is operated upon by open inguinal incision. However, with the introduction of laparoscopic repair in 1990, opinion of scientific community is divided concerning the best method of pediatric herniotomy. Educated parents, who long to have the choicest of the best, often gather information from internet and prefer to discuss their concerns with primary care physicians. This descriptive review is intended to provide practicing pediatricians with updated evidence-based information which will enable them to counsel parents regarding the choice of hernia repair. Based on careful analysis of current literature, unacceptable standards are defined in this paper and rationalized recommendations are proposed. Laparoscopy appears to be beneficial in bilateral hernia of girls, giant hernia, recurrence following failed open repair and in hernia associated with undescended testis or ambiguous genitalia. On the other hand, open herniotomy appears to be advantageous in male inguinal hernia, unilateral female hernia, premature newborns, failed laparoscopic repair and in hernia associated with serious co-morbidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sri Ramasamy Memorial (SRM) Medical College, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Venkatachalam Raveenthiran

  2. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Prakash Agarwal

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  1. Venkatachalam Raveenthiran
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  2. Prakash Agarwal
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VR conceived the topic and will act as guarantor for the paper. Both VR and PA took part in literature analysis, writing preliminary drafts, critical revision of manuscript and approval of final form.

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Correspondence to Venkatachalam Raveenthiran.

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Raveenthiran, V., Agarwal, P. Choice of Repairing Inguinal Hernia in Children: Open Versus Laparoscopy. Indian J Pediatr 84, 555–563 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2354-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2354-9

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