Comparison of surgical outcomes between laparoscopic percutaneous extracorporeal closure (LPEC) and open repair for pediatric inguinal hernia by propensity score methods and log-rank test analysis

Large retrospective study (n=4,448) comparing laparoscopic LPEC versus open repair for pediatric inguinal hernia finds LPEC reduces contralateral hernia risk and eliminates testicular complications, but shows higher recurrence rates and longer anesthesia times. Bilateral repairs favor LPEC for operative efficiency while unilateral cases are faster with open technique.