Laparoscopic observation of contralateral internal ring in pediatric inguinal hernia

Laparoscopic observation of contralateral internal ring in unilateral inguinal hernia was performed from 1994 to Sep. 1996 on 102 cases. A 70 degrees laparoscope was introduced through the symptomatic internal ring and the contralateral side was examined. In case of positive opening of internal ring, operative closure of the contralateral side was performed. The age range was 1 month to 10 years. Fifty seven were boys and 45 were girls. Fifty six had right side hernias and 46 had left. Positive opening was recognized in 49 cases (48%) and all the positive cases were confirmed operatively. No postoperative occurrence of contralateral inguinal hernia has been observed since the start of this procedure for 2 months up to 2 years in negative contralateral cases. This method may be a useful procedure for reducing the incidence of contralateral inguinal hernia.