Comparison between open and laparoscopic needle repair in pediatric inguinal hernia in terms of operating time and complications.

Abstract

Objective: To compare between open hernia repair and needle-assisted laparoscopic repair in pediatric patients with inguinal hernia in term of operative time and postoperative wound infection. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Surgery, Independent University Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: March 2024 to March 2026. Methods: A total of 384 pediatric patients aged 1–13 years diagnosed with inguinal hernia were randomly assigned to Group A (OHR, n=192) or Group B (NALR, n=192). Operative time was recorded from skin incision to closure, and wound infection was assessed during a one-month postoperative follow-up using CDC criteria. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests for operative time and chi-square tests for wound infection, with significance set at p≤0.05. It is done in period of 2 year from March 2024-March 2026, Ethical approval no IUH/IRB/000055 date of approval is 01-01-2025. Results: The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the NALR group (12.87 ± 3.16 min) compared with the OHR group (24.68 ± 4.25 min, p<0.001). Wound infection occurred in 30 patients (7.8%) in the OHR group, whereas no infections were observed in the NALR group (p<0.001). Operative time and infection rates were consistently lower across all demographic and clinical subgroups in the laparoscopic group. Conclusion: Needle-assisted laparoscopic repair offers a safe and efficient alternative to open hernia repair in children, with shorter operative times and reduced postoperative wound complications.