Laparoscopic Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Pilot Study in a Novel Guinea Pig Animal Model

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare different techniques for pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We hypothesize that the amount of dissection performed at the internal ring, with or without division of the peritoneum, will impact healing and thus long-term success of the repair. Methods: Following the Institution's Animal Care and Use Committee approval (708024-4), 20 Hartley Guinea pigs underwent laparoscopic repair of their natural open internal rings. The Guinea pigs were divided equally into four surgical groups: intracorporeal suture repair (IS), hernia dissection and division with intracorporeal suture (DDIS) repair, subcutaneous endoscopically assisted ligation (SEAL), and Yueng (HOOK) repair. After a 6-week survival period, a necropsy was performed. Repairs were evaluated and tested under pressures up to 30 mmHg. The suture was then removed to assess primary healing. Experimental data were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. On initial evaluation, before suture removal, repair integrity was as follows: 5/10 IS, 10/10 DDIS, 7/10 SEAL, and 7/10 HOOK (P =.09). After suture removal, repair integrity was as follows: 3/10 IS, 10/10 DDIS, 5/10 SEAL, and 6/10 HOOK (P =.01). Conclusion: Overall, dissecting and dividing the sac with intracorporeal suture (DDIS) closure had the best outcome. This method appears to best replicate standard open high ligation.