Introduction: This study reports the authors' experience with the exclusive use of 2-mm instrument sets and small diameter scopes in 100 children undergoing microlaparoscopic herniorrhaphy.
Method: This prospective study was designed as a pilot feasibility study; all data related to patients and procedures were prospectively collected. A pneumoperitoneum was established, and 1.7 to 2 mm 0° or 30° scopes were introduced for visualization. Exclusively 2-mm instruments were used.
Results: This study included 100 children (aged 15 days to 11 years, median age 2.3 years) undergoing microlaparoscopic hernia repair. A total of 140 hernias were treated. The average operative time for the microlaparoscopically experienced surgeon was 16 minutes for bilateral inguinal hernia and 12 minutes for unilateral hernias. All procedures were completed microlaparoscopically. Hernia recurrence was observed in 2 patients.
Conclusion: Based on the authors' early experience, it is found that microlaparoscopic hernia repair in children seems to be a safe and feasible procedure.