While the laparoscopic approach to groin hernia in adults is a well-accepted technique, it has not been widely accepted by pediatric surgeons in the management of inguinal hernia in infants and children. The primary reasons for the hesitation of the acceptance of the laparoscopic repair in this population include published reports of higher recurrence rate, longer operative time, and higher cost associated with the laparoscopic approach, with no significant cosmetic advantage. Potential injury to the spermatic cord has also been cited by the practicing pediatric surgeon, although there is no literature-based data to support this concern. Over the last several years, there has been growing interest by numerous groups around the world to improve the technique used in infants and children to address these concerns. Because of this increasing interest, the editors of the Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques have decided to give special attention to the laparoscopic approaches for inguinal hernia repair in infants and children in the February and March issues. This will include case series, technical articles, and a review of the current state of minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair in children. We will also have a special section coming in fall 2014 on minimally invasive approaches to colorectal and anorectal diseases in infants and children. On behalf of Dr. C. Daniel Smith and me, we want to thank the Journal's readership for the increasing interest in our journal, and we hope you enjoy these editions. Additionally, we welcome any readership suggestions for future focused issues.
