Intraoperative Laparoscopy by a Flexible Scope: Is it Reliable in Contralateral Childhood Hernias?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Negative contralateral groin exploration for childhood hernias raises the question of whether contralateral groin exploration is necessary or not. To find out whether a contralateral processus vaginalis was patent, we performed laparoscopy with a flexible scope. METHODS After carbon dioxide insufflation, a flexible laparoscope was inserted through the opened hernia sac and the contralateral processus vaginalis orifice was examined. We considered a patent processus vaginalis as a potential hernia. The study involved 20 children: 16 boys and 4 girls. The symptomatic side was explored in a conventional manner and laparoscopy was performed through the opened hernia sac. RESULTS A contralateral processus vaginalis was found in 6 children: 4 boys and 2 girls. These results were confirmed by exploring the opposite groin. We did not explore if the laparoscopic examination was within normal limits. There was one false-positive result in a female patient. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative non-puncture laparoscopy utilizing a flexible laparoscope through the hernia opening is an uncomplicated, reliable and precise method for identifying a patent contralateral processus vaginalis. It may represent a satisfactory alternative to routine bilateral inguinal exploration. Also, use of the flexible laparoscope may be more beneficial than use of a rigid laparoscope passed through the umbilicus or hernia sac.