Risk factors for recurrence after open neonatal hernia repair: A single-center, retrospective study

Inguinal and umbilical hernias are common neonatal conditions. Open hernia repair is currently the primary surgical treatment, but postoperative recurrence remains a significant risk.

To identify the risk factors for recurrence following open neonatal hernia repair.

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 56 neonates who underwent open hernia repair at Shijiazhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between March 2021 and December 2023. The patients were categorized into recurrence and non-recurrence groups based on their experience of postoperative recurrence. Univariate analysis was performed to examine various factors, and those with P < 0.1 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression. Nomogram models were constructed, and their performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Of the 56 children, 11 (19.64%) experienced postoperative recurrence, whereas the remaining 45 (80.36%) did not. Univariate analysis identified anemia (P = 0.079), persistent postoperative pain (P = 0.049), and low birth weight (P = 0.017) as factors associated with recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that anemia (P = 0.029), persistent postoperative pain (P = 0.008), and low birth weight (P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for recurrence after open hernia repair in neonates.

The risk of recurrence after open hernia repair should be closely monitored in neonates with low birth weight, anemia, and persistent postoperative pain.