Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for inguinal hernia: learning curve for attending surgeons and residents.

Background/purpose: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for pediatric inguinal hernia is a simple technique in which a purse-string suture made of nonabsorbable material is placed extraperitoneally around the hernia orifice by a special suture needle (Lapaherclosure™). Concerns have been raised about the extensive learning curve for both attending surgeons and residents to master this technique. This study assesses the difference in learning curves for the safe performance of LPEC by attending surgeons and residents.