Purpose: The effectiveness of laparoscopic diagnosis of contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) in children with unilateral inguinal hernia was evaluated.
Methods: Ninety-three consecutive children under the age of 1 year were operated on for a unilateral inguinal hernia. A contralateral CPPV was diagnosed by laparoscopy via the inguinal hernia sac before ligation. The laparoscopy 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 selecting children for contralateral surgical exploration.