Current Trends in the Management of Inguinal Hernia in Children

Abstract

Inguinal hernia repairs in one of the most common surgical procedures in the pediatric population. Its diagnosis is made easily and the repair is usually performed by open surgery and with low complications rates. However, a substantial number of topics concerning anesthetic management, the precise time of operation especially in premature and high-risk infants, and the need of contralateral exploration have not yet been resolved. Recently, the introduction of laparoscopic repair seems to play a significant role regarding the safety, the examination and possible simultaneously repair of the contralateral groin, and the better cosmetic results. In this review, the current trends of the above mentioned topics will be discussed.

Retrospective Analysis of Inguinal Hernia in Pediatric Patients in a Tertiary Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…The incidence of inguinal hernia is 1-5% in the pediatric population and is even higher in premature babies, being as high as 10-30%. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Timely repair of these hernias is recommended to reduce the risk of incarceration, strangulation, and overall morbidity and mortality. 1,2,[4][5][6][7]11,14,15 In this study, inguinal hernia affected many more males than females, in a ratio of 19:1.…”

“…The incidence of inguinal hernia is 1-5% in the pediatric population and is even higher in premature babies, as high as 10-30%. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Inguinal hernias were described before 1550 BC. However, modern surgery began in the late nineteenth century with the more accurate understanding of the anatomy.…”

“…Both techniques have shown comparable outcomes in most studies. 4,7,9,11,14 Contralateral inguinal exploration in children is an area of active debate and, as yet, there is no consensus. 4,7,9,11,14 No similar study was found in Ethiopia and only limited literature of its kind is reported in most other African countries.…”

“…4,7,9,11,14 Contralateral inguinal exploration in children is an area of active debate and, as yet, there is no consensus. 4,7,9,11,14 No similar study was found in Ethiopia and only limited literature of its kind is reported in most other African countries. Therefore, this study, conducted in the biggest tertiary specialized hospital of the country, will serve as a baseline work for other researchers, especially for those in developing nations who are interested in working on further studies on this topic.…”

Pediatric Herniotomy: A 2-year Follow-up Study at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital

“…4 All on all, inguinal hernias do not resolve spontaneously so require surgical closure, with most surgeries being performed soon after diagnosis, or after the child has attained a weight of 2 kgs in case of premature birth. 5 Regardless of the technique used, the principle in pediatric inguinal hernia repair is high ligation of the sac. 6,7 In either approach for surgery, young children usually undergo hernia repair under general anesthesia.…”