Objective: To observe the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic high ligation of the hernia sac with lateral umbilical fold reinforcement in inguinal hernia repair through an animal experiment.
Methods: Sixty-four healthy male New-Zealand rabbits (having congenital defect at the internal inguinal ring) were randomized into experimental group and control group. Rabbits in experimental group received laparoscopic right high ligation of the hernia sac with lateral umbilical fold, while those in control group underwent laparoscopic right high ligation of the hernia sac only. On postoperative day (POD) 7, 15, 30, and 60 respectively, 8 rabbits in either group were randomly picked up to observe the abdominal conditions under laparoscope and then to determine the level of anti- abdominal pressure at the repaired internal inguinal ring.
Results: No animal death occurred during the experiment. No intra-abdominal complication was observed in either of the groups, and the lateral umbilical fold was well integrated with the original peritoneum in rabbits of experimental group. After operation, the level of anti-abdominal pressure at the repaired inguinal region in both groups of rabbits were continuously increased as time went on, and both approximately reached a maximum on POD 30, but the level of anti-abdominal pressure at each predefined postoperative time point in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (all P<0.05).
Conclusion: Laparoscopic high ligation of the hernia sac with lateral umbilical fold reinforcement for inguinal hernia is safe and effective in rabbits, which may provide an experimental basis for its clinical use.