Laparoscopic Evaluation of Contralateral Patent Processus Vaginalis in Children
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1996
Abstract
Background
Routine contralateral inguinal exploration following unilateral herniorrhaphy in children remains controversial. Contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV) incidence decreases from 80% in young infants to about 20% to 30% in the adult population. However, the incidence of a clinical hernia appearing subsequently following unilateral herniorrhaphy is 6% to 10%.
Methods
Fifty consecutive children were evaluated by diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) at the time of inguinal herniorrhaphy.
Results
The mean age was 3 years. Thirteen of 42 patients (31 %) with a symptomatic confirmed hernia had a contralateral PPV by DL. The mean operating time was 48 minutes. The sensitivity was 98% with a specificity of 100%. No child suffered a complication due to DL.
Conclusions
We found diagnostic laparoscopy in children with evidence of unilateral inguinal hernia (1) was safe, (2) revealed a 31% incidence of contralateral PPV, and (3) eliminated the need for contralateral exploration in 69%.
Repository Citation
Pellegrin, K.,
Bensard, D. D.,
Karrer, F. M.,
& Meagher, D. P.
(1996). Laparoscopic Evaluation of Contralateral Patent Processus Vaginalis in Children. The American Journal of Surgery, 172 (5), 602-606.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/surg/337
PMCID
10.1016/S0002-9610(96)00242-5
