The application of single-port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suture for the management of indirect inguinal hernia in female adults

As most of the female inguinal hernias are of indirect type, we conducted this retrospective study to evaluate whether the single port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suture is feasible for the management of indirect inguinal hernia in female adults. From April 2016 to August 2019, there were 31 female adults who were diagnosed with inguinal hernias and received laparoscopic inspection at our surgical department. One patient who was finally diagnosed as an encysted hydrocele was excluded from the statistic study. All the 30 cases were of indirect type with a total of 35 single port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring sutures performed. The median age was 38 years (range 20–88 years). The number and percentage of patients with right, left and bilateral hernias were 17 (56%), 11 (37%) and 2 (7%) respectively. Three contralateral patent processi vaginalium and 1 occult femoral hernia were found during operation. The percentages of the respective classifications according to the European Hernia Society system for the 35 PIRSs were L1: 40%, L2: 49%, and L3: 11%. The average operation time was 18 min for unilateral and 30 min for bilateral hernias. There were 1 recurrence and 1 chronic postoperative inguinal pain. Both had their symptoms and signs resolved after reoperation. The mean follow-up period was 13.6 months. We concluded that the single-port laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suture is feasible for the management of indirect inguinal hernia in female adults.