Laparoscopic treatment of left paraduodenal hernia in two cases of children

IntroductionThe paraduodenal hernia is an internal hernia that might cause a small bowel obstruction. The laparoscopic repair of paraduodenal hernia is sporadically reported for its safety, convenience, and patient's satisfaction.Presentation of caseWe performed the laparoscopic treatment of the left paraduodenal hernia in two children, a 3-months old boy and 12-year old girl. The girl had a left upper quadrant pain for one month with postprandial nausea after eating. The 3-months boy presented with an intermittent severe irritability. Small bowel series and computed tomography showed the left paraduodenal hernia in two patients. We successfully did the laparoscopic paraduodenal hernia repair using 5 mm and 3 mm laparoscope. They discharged within 5 days, uneventfully.DiscussionDespite of technical difficulties in pediatrics such as small working space and less pneumoperitoneum, the laparoscopic repair for paraduodenal hernia leads to patient's earlier intake of diet and rapid recovery with cosmetic satisfaction. The 3 mm laparoscopic repair needs longer operation time, but it is feasible in infants.ConclusionLaparoscopic repair of paraduodenal hernia in children and infants is safe and feasible. We recommend the laparoscopic repair as the first surgical option for paraduodenal hernia.