To explore the learning curve of single-port laparoscopic ligation of the patent processusvaginalis.

From October 2017 to April 2018, clinical data of children with indirect inguinal hernia or hydrocele in Baoding Children's Hospital were collected. Single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal inner ring ligation assisted with double-hook hernia needle was performed by 6 doctors. The first 20 children of each doctor were selected and 120 patients were operated. Six doctors were divided into group A (>3 years) and group B (≤3 years) according to the seniority of laparoscopic surgery. Each 5 cases was taken as a learning curve stage. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, the number of increasing trocar or cases of conversion to open surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

In group A, the operation time was significantly shortened at the second stage (after 5 cases). In group B, the operation time was significantly shortened at the third stage (after 10 cases). The bleeding loss in both groups was less than 2 ml. 1 case of additional trocar and 1 case of open conversion was occurred in group A, while the number in group B were 2 cases and 1 case, respectively. There were 3 cases and 4 cases of complications after operation in group A and group B, respectively, without recurrence.

The learning curve of single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal inner ring ligation is 5 cases for laparoscopic experienced surgeon and 15 cases for beginner. The technology is simple, safe and effective, and is worthy of clinical promotion.