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Impact of Delayed Inguinal Hernia Repair in Infants
Seth Saylors1, Cory Nonnemacher1, Charles Snyder1
1Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Delaying inguinal hernia repair in infants does not increase complications. This study found no rise in emergency visits or incarceration rates, suggesting benefits like reduced anesthesia exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Hernia Repair
- Public Health
Background:
- Inguinal hernia repair is a common pediatric procedure.
- Symptomatic hernias require urgent intervention.
- COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed elective surgeries, including hernia repairs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate complications associated with delayed inguinal hernia repair in infants.
- To assess changes in preoperative and postoperative complications after delaying repair.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of infants (<1 year) undergoing inguinal hernia repair.
- Comparison of pre-COVID (before March 2020) and post-COVID groups.
- Analysis of hospitalization data, operative characteristics, and postoperative complications.
Main Results:
- Delayed repair (74 days vs. 44 days) showed no increase in emergency department visits or incarceration rates.
- Average age at surgery was higher in the post-COVID group (152 days vs. 125 days).
- No significant differences in operative characteristics or postoperative complications were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Delayed inguinal hernia repair beyond 4 weeks from diagnosis in infants is safe.
- Delaying surgery may allow patients to grow and avoid early anesthesia exposure.
- No increased risk of hernia incarceration or complications was found.
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