Operative procedures of single-incision laparoscopic repair of pediatric epigastric hernia have become simple and feasible with the use of a novel suture-assisting needle

We describe a simple and feasible procedure for single-incision laparoscopic repair of a pediatric epigastric hernia using a novel suture-assisting needle. A multichannel port was inserted through the umbilical vertical incision. After the orifice of the hernia was identified, a suture-assisting needle, which can hold a suture at its tip, with a 2-0 thread was pierced through the skin into one side of the rectus muscle sheath into the abdominal cavity. Next, after releasing the thread, the needle was pulled out to the subcutis and pierced through another side of the rectus muscle sheath. The needle, grasping the thread again, was subsequently pulled out through the abdominal wall outside, and the thread was tied extracorporeally. This knot was buried subcutaneously. Operative procedures of single-incision laparoscopic repair of an epigastric hernia have become simple and feasible with the use of a novel suture-assisting needle with an excellent cosmetic result.