Laparoscopic Herniorrhaphy

Abstract

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children has increased in popularity over the past years. The indications for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair are the same as for the open approach. Several randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopic and open techniques suggest an equivalent operating time for unilateral hernias and faster operating times for bilateral hernias. Moreover, the recurrence rate and rate of testicular atrophy has been proven to be equivalent. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is typically performed under general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. It can be performed as an extraperitoneal or transperitoneal approach. In this chapter we describe the extraperitoneal technique.