Experience with peritoneal thermal injury during subcutaneous endoscopically assisted ligation for pediatric inguinal hernia

Background

Subcutaneous endoscopically-assisted ligation (SEAL) for pediatric inguinal hernia repair has gained in popularity although variations in techniques exist. Peritoneal scarring by thermal injury has been described as an adjunct. We explored the hypothesized inverse-correlation between peritoneal scarring and recurrence after SEAL.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all patients < 18 years old undergoing SEAL between 2010 and 2016 (REB-20172727). Demographics and outcomes were investigated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the association between peritoneal scarring and recurrence.

Results

We identified 272 patients. Median age was 3 years, 35% were female, and 19% were born premature. Median follow-up was 30 months, ≥ 1 visit/patient. Bilaterality was noted in 35%. There were no reported cases of metachronous hernia, vas injury, testicular atrophy or chronic pain, and recurrence rate was 4.6%. Prematurity, unilateral repair, incarceration, and suture-type (Ti-Cron® vs. Ethibond®) had significant correlation with recurrence on univariate analysis (p < 0.25). Surgeon experience did not. Peritoneal scarring, performed in 195 cases (72%), was not predictive of recurrence (adjusted OR = 0.87, p = 0.830) on multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

The rate of complications with SEAL compares favorably to published data. Thermal injury was not associated with improved recurrence rates. The benefits of peritoneal scarring may not outweigh the risks.

Level of Evidence

III – Retrospective Case–Control Study.