Laparoscopic diagnosis of contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children under 1 year of age with unilateral inguinal hernia: Comparison with herniography

Purpose: The effectiveness of laparoscopic diagnosis of contralateral paten t processus vaginalis (CPPV) in children with unilateral inguinal hernia wa s evaluated. Methods: Ninety-three consecutive children under the age of 1 year were ope rated on for a unilateral inguinal hernia. A contralateral CPPV was diagnos ed by laparoscopy via the inguinal hernia sac before ligation. The laparosc opy results of this technique were correlated with those of herniography or inguinal exploration. Results: Laparoscopy was performed on 88 patients; sensitivity was 71% and specificity 89%. The only complication arising from the procedure was wound infection in two patients. Conclusion: This method is a simple, safe, and accurate procedure for selec ting children for contralateral surgical exploration. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.