Resolution of prolonged neonatal apnea with hernia repair

Three cases of hernia repair and simultaneous resolution of prolonged neonatal apnea are reported. An association has been made between vagal overactivity and apnea. Protrusion of a large hernia at times of vagal stimulation is suggested as a possible mechanism resulting in sustained inhibition of the respiratory control center by increasing vagal afferent traffic to this center. Consideration should be given to repair of hernias in the premature infant with neonatal apnea rather than wait for resolution of the apneic episodes.