The Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure for Inguinal Hernia in Neonates and Infants Younger Than 1 Year of Age in Comparison to Older Patients

Purpose: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) has been performed in Japan for the repair of the pediatric inguinal hernias for over a decade. However, the safety and efficacy of LPEC in neonates and infants under 1 year of age remain unknown. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the safety and efficacy of LPEC in the treatment of inguinal hernia in patients who are younger than 1 year of age. Patients and Methods: The medical records of the patients who underwent LPEC at Saga-Ken Medical Center Koseikan (Saga, Japan) between August 2007 and November 2012 were collected. The intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively investigated. The data of the patients who were younger than 1 year of age (Group A) were compared with the data of patients who were older than 1 year of age (Group B). Results: During the study period, 150 LPEC procedures were performed in 112 Group A patients, whereas 607 LPEC procedures were performed in 456 Group B patients. There were no serious complications in either group. After a mean follow-up period of 50.4 +/- 15.6 months (range, 28-91 months), there were no significant differences between the two groups in the operating time or the incidence of intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative testicular ascent and recurrence were observed in some cases of each group. Conclusions: LPEC is a safe and effective procedure for the repair of an inguinal hernia, even in neonatal and infant patients who are younger than 1 year of age.