Comparison of pain between laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) and open procedure for inguinal hernias in children below 5 years of age

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Key takeaways

• LPEC did not reduce postoperative pain compared to open inguinal hernia repair in children under 5 years (FLACC scores: 0.44 vs 0.21).
• Pain difference was most pronounced in children under 2 years, where laparoscopic approach showed higher FLACC scores (0.5 vs 0.09).
• Minimally invasive technique does not guarantee less postoperative pain in young pediatric patients who cannot verbalize discomfort.
• FLACC scoring system provides objective pain assessment in preverbal children undergoing inguinal hernia repair.
• Traditional open approach may be preferable for pain control in very young children despite larger incision size.

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