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Inguinal hernia and low birthweight
B A Darlow1, K P Dawson, N Mogridge
1Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital.
Insights
A significant percentage of low birthweight infants develop inguinal hernias, particularly those under 1500g. This highlights the need for careful monitoring for postoperative complications like apnoea and bradycardia in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatology
Background:
- Inguinal hernias are a common surgical issue in infants.
- Low birthweight infants, especially those under 2000g, face increased risks.
- Rising survival rates in very low birthweight infants increase the population at risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incidence of inguinal hernias in low birthweight infants.
- To highlight the associated risks of postoperative complications in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of infants with birthweight less than 2000g.
- Follow-up for inguinal hernia development within one to three years.
- Analysis of complication rates related to surgical repair.
Main Results:
- 10.3% of infants <2000g birthweight developed inguinal hernias by age 1-3 years.
- Incidence increased to 18.9% for infants <1500g birthweight.
- Significant need for surgical repair and associated risks of postoperative apnoea and bradycardia.
Conclusions:
- Low birthweight infants are at high risk for inguinal hernias.
- Postoperative monitoring for apnoea and bradycardia is crucial for these infants following anesthesia.
- Increased vigilance is needed for very low birthweight survivors requiring surgical intervention.
Abstract:
Ten point three percent of infants of birthweight less than 2000 g developed an inguinal hernia within one to three years of birth. This figure rose to 18.9% in those who were under 1500 g at birth. The high requirement for surgical repair and the rising survival figures for very low birthweight infants stresses the increasing numbers at risk from postoperative apnoea and bradycardia. The need for respiratory and cardiac monitoring following anaesthesia in low birthweight infants is emphasised.