Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure (LPEC) for an Inguinal Hernia in a Pediatric Female
Yuki Noguchi, MD, PhD; Shogo Saito, MD; Shohei Hiwatashi, MD, PhD; Satoshi Umeda, MD, PhD; Masahiro Zenitani, MD, PhD; Keigo Nara, MD, PhD
Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Pediatric inguinal hernias are indirect, resulting from a persistent patent processus vaginalis (PPV). These hernias will not spontaneously heal and carry a serious, persistent risk of incarceration. Consequently, surgical repair is typically advised soon after diagnosis to minimize the risk of incarceration.

This report details a 4-year-old girl with a reducible left inguinal hernia containing the greater omentum undergoing minimally invasive laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC). LPEC offers improved visualization, superior cosmetic results, and the ability to identify and repair contralateral PPV during the same procedure, which reduces the risk of metachronous hernia—particularly in girls, where the technique is technically straightforward.