Herbst KW, et al. - This study was performed to determine variation in utilization of diagnostic laparoscopy, and report costs associated with the evaluation of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis during hernia repair in pediatric hospitals. Findings revealed variation in the use of laparoscopy during inguinal hernia repairs and associated costs within the current sample from children’s hospitals in the United States. Researchers recommended considering the additional costs of laparoscopic evaluation against the clinical utility and therapeutic consequences of identifying individuals with a higher risk of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia.