Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia in children

AIM: We aimed to present our laparoscopic treatment experience in Morgagni hernia repair. METHODS: The patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery with diagnosis of Morgagni hernia between 2016 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Their mean age at diagnosis was 4,1 ± 2,6 years (1 year-13 years). All patients were male. The presenting complaints were respiratory tract infection in 3 patients and vomiting in 3. Two patients were diagnosed incidentally. Associated Down's Syndrome was detected in 3 (38%) cases. The defect was left-sided in 7 (87.5%) patients and bilateral in 1 (12,5%). Omentum was herniated in 2 patients, colon and omentum were in 6 and colon, omentum and stomach were in one. All patients underwent primary repair extracorporeally by removing sutures from single incision, without removal of the hernia sac. There were no complications or recurrence in the mean 19,2 ± 15,8 months (6–42 months) follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal invasive repair of Morgagni hernia is efficient and safe. It should be the first choice because of fast recovery and better cosmetic results. In this series, it was seen that leaving the hernia sac had no effect on early and late complications. Leaving the hernia sac may prevent potential complications due to unnecessary dissection.