Single-incision laparoscopic herniorrhaphy needle treatment for pediatric inguinal hernia: Surgical outcome, postoperative complications, and serum inflammation effects.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery, with the advantage of less trauma, has been predominantly performed to treat pediatric inguinal hernia. However, the traditional three-port laparoscopic surgery remains extremely traumatic for children, whereas single-port laparoscopic surgery causes less damage to children than traditional laparoscopy. However, single-port laparoscopic surgery is more challenging; thus, studies on the effect of its application in pediatric inguinal hernia remain relatively limited.

Aim: To analyze the association of single-incision laparoscopic herniorrhaphy needle treatment with surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, and serum inflammation in pediatric inguinal hernia.

Methods: This retrospective study included 113 pediatric patients with inguinal hernia who underwent surgery at the Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from April 2022 to May 2023. Participants were categorized into the observation group (single-incision laparoscopic herniorrhaphy needle, n = 60) and the control group (two-port laparoscopic surgery, n = 53). Comparative analyses involved surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) levels were measured preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative pain was evaluated with the face, legs, activity, cry, and Consolability scale. Further, the incidence of complications, recurrence, and reoperation rates was assessed. Logistic regression was employed to determine independent risk factors related to poor prognosis.

Results: The observation group demonstrated significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospitalization compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated increased CRP and WBC levels postoperatively, but the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels (P < 0.05). Further, pain scores at 24 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the observation group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group experienced fewer adverse events, recurrence rates, and reoperations compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis determined increased postoperative stress markers and surgical technique as independent predictors of recurrence (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Single-incision laparoscopic herniorrhaphy needle treatment for pediatric inguinal hernia exhibits significant efficacy, effectively reduces postoperative complications, ensures a more concealed surgical incision, and promotes faster postoperative recovery than conventional two-port laparoscopy. This approach merits wider application.