Background: Caregiver and healthcare provider perspectives of virtual care have not been explored in depth in the literature for neonatal follow-up clinics. Our objective was to evaluate caregivers’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives and compare neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm neonates before and after implementing virtual care during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with families and healthcare providers, designed and analyzed using phenomenological qualitative methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate and compare neurodevelopmental characteristics of two preterm cohorts, one before (“in-person”) and after (“virtual”) virtual care. Results: Three themes were identified: increased confidence in in-person assessments, adequate delivery of information using virtual platforms and a preference for specialized care through the neonatal follow-up clinic. A total of 252 infants born preterm, 104 infants in the in-person group and 148 infants in the virtual group, were included in the study. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of cerebral palsy was lower when virtual care was used compared to in-person assessments (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.98) while the adjusted odds of cognitive delay measured by in-person standardized testing were higher (aOR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.25–6.19). Conclusions: Caregivers and healthcare providers prefer in-person assessments for comprehensive developmental support. It may be more challenging to detect subtle cognitive differences using caregiver-reported measures. Cerebral palsy may be missed when assessments are completed virtually.

Purpose: Multiple techniques have been described for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience using cautery and Endoloops in pediatric female patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric female patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using cautery and Endoloops at our center. This technique involves establishing laparoscopic access through the umbilicus, everting and cauterizing the hernia sac with a Maryland dissector, and placing two PDS Endoloops at the level of the internal ring. Outcomes included operative time and complications. Results: We identified 50 female patients (mean age 5.6 years, range 2 months to 17 years) who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using cautery and Endoloops from January 2015 to March 2024. The indication for surgery in most patients was a clinical hernia ( n = 43/50). One of these was incarcerated and another was a recurrent hernia. Seven other patients underwent ligation of an incidental patent processus vaginalis during laparoscopic appendectomy ( n = 4), laparoscopic ovarian detorsion ( n = 2), or diagnostic laparoscopy for possible Meckel’s diverticulum ( n = 1). Median operative time was 30 minutes for unilateral inguinal hernias ( n = 26/43) and 33 minutes for bilateral ( n = 17/43). None experienced conversion to open procedure, surgical site infection, or recurrence. Conclusion: We conclude that laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using cautery and Endoloops is safe and effective in pediatric female patients. This technique does not require specialized skills, training, or equipment. We have used this approach for primary repair of clinical hernia, incarcerated hernia, recurrent hernia, and incidental patent processus vaginalis.