Technical refinements of pediatric laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for adult indirect inguinal hernia.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) is an established procedure for pediatric inguinal hernia repair. In adults, however, its application is technically more demanding because of a thicker abdominal wall, greater tissue resistance, and a deeper ligation plane. Based on our standardized pediatric LPEC technique, we describe technical refinements for adult indirect inguinal hernias and examine an important cautionary finding related to patient selection. METHODS: Among adults with suspected indirect inguinal hernia treated between 2023 and 2025, 20 patients who underwent LPEC were evaluated. For adult cases, we incorporated several technical refinements, including double ligation, puncture-site enlargement, tension reduction during ligation, and needle-route straightening. RESULTS: The procedure was completed in selected adults, including those with a high body mass index and greater abdominal wall thickness. Recurrence occurred in two patients, both of whom had preoperative bowel protrusion. This finding suggests that bowel protrusion should be regarded as an important cautionary feature when considering the indication for adult LPEC. CONCLUSION: Standardized pediatric LPEC may be adapted for selected adults when appropriate technical refinements are applied. However, cases with preoperative bowel protrusion require particularly careful judgment when determining indication.