Laparoscopic repair of bilateral inguinal hernias each containing sigmoid colon in a premature infant

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Neonatal Medicine

Background:

• Inguinal hernias are uncommon in infants but more prevalent in premature neonates.
• Common contents include small bowel; appendix and cecum are rare, and sigmoid colon is exceptionally rare.
• Previous reports of sigmoid colon in pediatric inguinal hernias were unilateral.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of bilateral inguinal hernias containing sigmoid colon in a premature infant.
• To document the laparoscopic repair of this rare condition.
• To highlight the unique presentation involving the appendix and cecum in the contralateral hernia.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a premature infant with bilateral inguinal hernias.
• Detailed description of surgical findings, including the contents of each hernia.
• Laparoscopic surgical repair technique employed.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with bilateral inguinal hernias containing sigmoid colon.
• The right hernia also contained the appendix and cecum.
• This represents the first reported instance of bilateral sigmoid colon inguinal hernias in a child.
• Successful laparoscopic repair was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral inguinal hernias containing sigmoid colon, appendix, and cecum are exceptionally rare in premature infants.
• Laparoscopic surgery is a viable option for repairing complex inguinal hernias in neonates.
• This case expands the understanding of potential inguinal hernia contents in premature infants.