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Poster Display - 10
First national series of pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernias repairs in Panama: preliminary outcomes and feasibility of implementation
Paulette Serrano Fernández 1, Carlos Díaz 2, Emilio Romero 3, Ana Gabriela Barría Rodríguez 4
1 Pediatric Surgery Department, Gustavo Nelson Collado Hospital. Herrera, Panama
2 Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department, Gustavo Nelson Collado Hospital. Herrera, Panama.
3 Physiology and Animal Behaviour, University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
4 The Panama Clinic Hospital. Panama city, Panama.
Purpose
Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures. Laparoscopic techniques have demonstrated clear benefits in multiple international series. However, in Latin America, adoption remains limited due to resource constraints and lack of local experience. In this context, we report the first national experience with laparoscopic pediatric inguinal hernia repair in Panama, performed at a second-level general public hospital.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent PIRS (percutaneous internal ring suture) repair between January and February 2025. Demographic and surgical variables were collected, with a follow-up of 3 months.
Results
Twelve patients (7 girls, 5 boys) were included, with a mean age of 4.08 years (95% Confidence IntervaI: 3.0–5.2). Intraoperatively, 3 contralateral hernias were identified, and 7 patients (58.3%) had associated umbilical hernias. Ethibond or Prolene were the sutures used for the procedures. The mean operative time was 36 minutes (95% CI: 27.3–44.6).
No conversions, intraoperative, or postoperative complications were reported, and all patients were discharged the same day. Two recurrences (16.7%) were noted at 3-month follow-up; one of these patients was later diagnosed with cutis laxa syndrome, a condition unknown at the time of surgery.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the PIRS technique is feasible and safe, even in settings without prior experience. As the first series of its kind in Panama, this report highlights the potential for broader regional adoption.