Intraoperative Diagnosis of Contralateral Inguinal Hernia Using Biliary Endoscopy

Bilateral Inguinal hernias are problems in pediatric patients with unilateral hernia by history and physical examination. Many surgeons perform contralateral groin open exploration in infants and young children with symptomatic unilateral hernia. The practice of contrateral exploration, however, is controversial because of potential complications. We have developed a new method to inspect the contralateral inguinal region using the biliary endoscope and manual abdominal wall lifting. The endoscope is inserted through the hernia sac into the abdominal cavity to provide adequate visualization of the contrateral side similar to that afforded in laparoscopic hernia repair. Thus　only the patients with a confirmed contralateral hernia undergo the exploration of the groin and unnecessary exploration can be avoided.

inguinal hernia

child

biliary endoscopy