Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate operative outcomes and postoperative complications of laparoscopic treatment for pediatric inguinal hernia using meta-analysis.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases including the Chinese Journal Full-text Database, Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, VIP Chinese Science, and Technology Journal Database, ProQuest, JSTOR, Wiley, and IEEE Xplore. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on laparoscopic surgery for pediatric inguinal hernia were collected, and data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results: A total of 18 RCTs involving 5,750 children (3,357 in the laparoscopic group and 2,393 in the open surgery group) were included. Compared to the open surgery group, the laparoscopic group had significantly shorter operative times for bilateral hernias [(mean difference (MD) = -11.43, P = 0.04)], and lower incidences of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) (MD = 0.17, P = 0.02) and testicular ascent (MD = 0.19, P = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in operative time for unilateral hernia (MD = 0.47, P = 0.87), complication rate (MD = 0.87, P = 0.60), postoperative recurrence (MD = 1.46, P = 0.18), incision infection rate (MD = 2.54, P = 0.34), or testicular atrophy rate (MD = 0.36, P = 0.19).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for pediatric inguinal hernia is effective, especially for bilateral cases, reducing operative time and lowering the risk of MCIH and testicular ascent.