Purpose: Many studies compared the outcomes of hernia repair in children between open and laparoscopic techniques.However, the results still need to be clarified. Moreover, the reports from developing countries are also limited. Methods: We compared the outcomes of hernia repair between the open and laparoscopic techniques in children and associated them with risk factors. Results: We involved 92 children, consisting of laparoscopy (36 males and 10 females) and open (42 males and 4 females) methods. There was a significant difference between 2 groups regarding the gestational age and age at surgery (both P < 0.001). Laparoscopy had a shorter length of stay (LOS) than the open group (1.09 ± 0.28 days vs. 1.37 ± 0.57 days, P = 0.004), while the duration of surgery was similar in both groups (P = 0.801). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant association between the recurrence of hernia and risk factors, including the surgical procedure, sex, age at surgery, and prematurity (P > 0.05). Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery might have a beneficial effect on shorter LOS compared with open hernia repair. None of the risk factors is significantly associated with hernia recurrence after repair. A further prospective multicenter study with a larger sample size is necessary to clarify our findings.

Introduction: Recently, management of anorectal malformation (ARM) emphasis on good intestinal functional outcomes after definitive procedure. This study analyzed the patients’ outcomes following operation related with the predictive variables. Methods: We applied the Krickenbeck classification and Rintala scoring system to define ARM type and functional outcomes, respectively. Results: This study ascertained 72 patients: 38 males and 34 females. According to Rintala scoring system, 94.4%, 90.2%, 60%, 83.3%, and 60% patients showed no soiling, no constipation, ability to hold back defecation, defecation frequency of every other day to twice a day, and feels/reports the urge to defecate, respectively. In addition, none of patients had either accident or social problem. Rintala score of normal and good have been shown in 14 (19.4%) and 55 (76.4%) patients, respectively. Female patients had a 4.2-times higher risk for showing a more/less often frequency of defecation compared with male patients (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-17.1; p=0.035). Conclusions: ARM patients’ functional outcomes after procedure in our institution are considered relatively good. In addition, the frequency of defecation in male patients after definitive surgery is better than female patients.