Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children: The early learning curve of the trainer and trainees

Aims: To report our experience with laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children.
Materials and Methods: A total of 45 children, who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between November 2003 and June 2005 were included in the study. Data were obtained by retrospective review of the case notes.
Results: A total of 63 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs (18 right, 9 left and 18 bilateral) were performed on 45 children (29 boys and 16 girls). Age of the children ranged from 4 weeks to 4 years. The operative time ranged from 30 to 70 minutes for unilateral repair and 38 to 95 minutes for bilateral repair (median for unilateral was 48 minutes and for bilateral 55 minutes). This time decreased with surgeon experience, though not reflecting directly due to the fact that the training registrars performed part of the procedures in the last 23 patients. There were no intraoperative complications. The follow up period ranged from 3 to 15 months. One child developed umbilical port site infection, which was treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children is safe, with minimal complications. With experience operative time decreases.