Percutaneous internal ring suturing as a first choice laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair method in girls: a single-center study in 148 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to retrospectively assess the operative findings and clinical outcomes of 148 girls who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with the percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) technique.

METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, girls with inguinal hernia underwent surgery using the laparoscopic PIRS technique described by Patkowski. Demographic and perioperative findings, complications, and recurrences were evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 205 inguinal hernia repairs were performed in 148 children with a mean age of 5.83 years (1 month-16 years). In 57 girls (38.5 %), the hernias were bilaterally repaired, while in 91 girls (61.5 %) hernias were unilaterally repaired. The mean follow-up time was 3.6 years (range 2.5-6.1 years). No serious complications or recurrence were noted. Granuloma occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSION: The PIRS technique is a safe, simple and effective procedure for girls. Excellent cosmetic results and reduced recurrence rates are associated with this method. This procedure is particularly suitable for girls because they lack a spermatic cord and vascular structures that can cause complications with this technique in boys. Based on our experience and others in the literature, we suggest that the PIRS procedure might be considered a gold standard for inguinal hernia operations in girls.