Laparoscopy Versus Open Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aims to compare operative time, recurrence, and complications between laparoscopic and open techniques for the repair of inguinal hernia in children. Pubmed and Embase databases were systematically searched for studies of pediatric patients who underwent open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia procedures. The main outcomes were operative time, recurrence, and complications. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen), and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² strategy. Four randomized clinical trials were included in the statistical analysis, totaling 662 patients, with 337 patients in the laparoscopic technique group. Operative time was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic technique group (STD -0.75, 95% CI (-1.43, -0.07), P < 0.00001, I² = 92%). Recurrence (RR 0.60, 95% CI (0.18, 2.02), P = 0.54, I² = 0%) and complications (RR 0.49, 95% CI (0.12, 2.03), P = 0.32, I² = 67%) were statistically similar between the two groups. The laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernia repair in children proved to be faster, with similar recurrence and complication rates compared to the open technique.