Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomic data for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia in children.　Methods　16 child human cadaveric specimens（32sides）were observed to record the course, distribution and relations of vessels and nerves on the region of internal ring.　Results　（1）The average distance from internal ring to the intersections of iliohypogastric nerve and inferior epigastric artery: On the right side of the male, the distance was （16.77±1.36）mm, on the left side of the male, the distance was (17.70±2.39)mm; on the right side of the female, the distance was (16.41±2.23) mm, on the left side of the female, the distance was （15.81±0.57）mm. （2）The mean angle of iliohypogastric nerve and inferior epigastric artery: On the right side of the male, the angle was （106.29±8.87)°, on the left side of the male, the angle was (107.75±11.59) °; on the right side of the female, the angle was (110.23±9.42) °, on the left side of the female, the angle was （106.42±9.46)°. It was not significantly different in the measurement data in gender; there was no significant difference between two sides (P>0.05).　Conclusion　On the region of internal ring, there was a "safe region"without any important vessels and nerves, which were constituted by the inferior epigastric artery and the iliohypogastric nerve. Patch could be fixed in the "safe region". The inferior epigastric artery can be referred as an anatomical landmark to reduce the incidence of iliohypogastric nerve damage and ensuing chronic pain.

Key words: Child, Laparoscopic heiniorrhaphy, Anatomy, Internal ring