Introduction: We report the clinical, operative, and outcome results in 58 premature infants (with maximum weight of 5 000 g at time of surgery) undergoing laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. Patients and Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, non-randomized single center feasibility study. The inclusion criteria were: symptomatic inguinal hernia, gestational age up to 37 weeks and maximum weight of 5 000 g at the time of surgery. Out of 58 premature infants (42 boys and 16 girls), 24 had bilateral, 20 had right-sided and 14 had left-sided hernias. 14 (24.1%) infants were operated on for an irreducible hernia. Results: The median gestational age at birth was 33 weeks (range 23–37) and the median gestational age at operation was 41 weeks (range 33–52). The body weight at surgery ranged from 1 450 g to 5 000 g (median 3 900 g); 11 infants (19%) weighed less than 2 500 g. No intraoperative surgical complications occurred. Anesthesia complications were noted in 7 cases. At median follow-up of 25 months (range 6–51 months), there were 3 hernia recurrences in 2 infants (3.6%). In 5 boys, we observed high testes requiring subsequent orchiopexy. Regression analysis showed that the risk of undescended testes increased by 65.5% for every 1 kilo lower weight at surgery. Conclusion: Based on our early results, it seems that laparoscopic hernia repair in preterm infants and very low birth weight babies is a safe and feasible procedure and has some procedural benefits compared to the standard open technique.

Purpose: Aim of this study was to report our experiences with tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair without placement of a postoperative urethral stent in 41 cases. Patients and Methods: Since October 2005, we have performed TIP repair for distal penile hypospadias without using a postoperative urethral stent. A urethral stent is used intraoperatively for the tubularization of the neourethra and is removed at the end of the procedure. Follow-up included clinical examination and a structured telephone interview on parental satisfaction. Results: The group included 41 boys, 60% with coronal or distal hypospadias and 40% with mid-shaft hypospadias (aged 6 months to 16 years, median: 3 years). In 7 cases, the prepuce was also reconstructed. There were 2 cases with fistula and one case of meatal stenosis. No glans dehiscence, severe bleeding, or wound infection was observed. No urinary retention requiring catheterization was observed, irrespective of age. All but one patient was discharged the day after surgery. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 48 months (average: 22 months). Most parents (87.5%) were satisfied or very satisfied. Conclusion: Based on our preliminary experiences, patient comfort and safety, parental satisfaction and the rate of complications seem to be promising with this technique.