Analysis of Contralateral Patent Processus Vaginalis in Laparoscopic High Ligation of the Vaginal Process and Clinical Long-term Effect of Individualized Treatment

Background: We aimed to analyze contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) in the laparoscopic high ligation of the vaginal process, treat eligible children surgically, and evaluate the clinical long-term outcomes. Methods: A total of 300 children with unilateral inguinal hernia or unilateral hydrocele treated in our hospital were selected for laparoscopic high ligation of the vaginal process, during which CPPV was analyzed. The 300 children were randomly divided into two groups of 150. In the study group (n = 58), 11 children met the requirements of high ligation and were treated with simultaneous surgery. The 53 children in the control group received simultaneous treatment. The prevalence of CPPV was compared between children with unilateral indirect inguinal hernia and unilateral hydrocele, left and right patent processus vaginalis (PPV), and different ages. After surgery, both groups were followed up for one year. The recurrence rate of contralateral indirect inguinal hernia or hydrocele was compared. Significant differences were assessed between the two groups receiving different treatments. Results: The prevalence of CPPV was 23% in children with unilateral indirect inguinal hernia and 49% in children with unilateral hydrocele. The prevalence of CPPV in children with unilateral hydrocele was significantly higher than that in children with inguinal hernia (P = 0.00). The prevalence of CPPV was 42% in children with left PPV and 33% in children with right PPV, without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.19). The prevalence of CPPV was 63% in children aged 1 - 2 years, which was significantly higher than that in other age groups (χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.01). The prevalence of CPPV was 14% in children aged > 6 years, which was significantly lower than that in other age groups (χ2 = 4.43, P = 0.04). A postoperative one-year follow-up showed that the recurrence rate was 9% in the study group and 1% in the control group, without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.25). Conclusions: The prevalence of CPPV decreases with age. Hydrocele combined with CPPV is more common. For younger children with hydrocele, it is very important to explore the contralateral side during surgery. Moreover, the transformation of CPPV to indirect inguinal hernia or hydrocele occurs rarely, and only eligible children can receive simultaneous treatment during surgery.