PURPOSE: Single scrotal incision for repair of bilateral inguinal hernias in boys is a new and attractive approach. However, the advantages and drawbacks of this approach have not been fully discussed in the literature and it has not been widely accepted as a standard procedure for repair of bilateral inguinal hernias. We develop the median raphe approach and this study is aimed to clarify the outcomes of this new technique. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2010, we studied 114 boys with bilateral inguinal hernias who underwent trans-scrotal repairs using median raphe incisions. The follow-up durations ranged from 12 to 36 months. The operation time and morbidity of this approach were compared to those of 91 boys who underwent conventional bilateral inguinal incision herniorrhaphy from January 2001 to December 2005. RESULTS: The operation times were equal in both approaches. The incidence of stitch abscesses was a little higher in scrotal incision group. All the boys with the scrotal approach had excellent cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: The median raphe approach for bilateral inguinal hernia repair is a good alternative to the conventional method for boys.
PURPOSE: Single scrotal incision for repair of bilateral inguinal hernias in boys is a new and attractive approach. However, the advantages and drawbacks of this approach have not been fully discussed in the literature and it has not been widely accepted as a standard procedure for repair of bilateral inguinal hernias. We develop the median raphe approach and this study is aimed to clarify the outcomes of this new technique. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2010, we studied 114 boys with bilateral inguinal hernias who underwent trans-scrotal repairs using median raphe incisions. The follow-up durations ranged from 12 to 36 months. The operation time and morbidity of this approach were compared to those of 91 boys who underwent conventional bilateral inguinal incision herniorrhaphy from January 2001 to December 2005. RESULTS: The operation times were equal in both approaches. The incidence of stitch abscesses was a little higher in scrotal incision group. All the boys with the scrotal approach had excellent cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: The median raphe approach for bilateral inguinal hernia repair is a good alternative to the conventional method for boys.