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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Prevalence and repair of inguinal hernias in children with bladder exstrophy
J A Connolly1, D S Peppas, R D Jeffs
1Division of Pediatric Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-2101, USA.
Insights
Children with bladder exstrophy have a high incidence of inguinal hernias, particularly boys. Early detection and careful preperitoneal repair focusing on the internal ring are crucial to minimize recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Bladder exstrophy is a complex congenital condition.
- Inguinal hernias are a common co-occurrence in this population.
- Understanding hernia characteristics is vital for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and recurrence rates of inguinal hernias in children with bladder exstrophy.
- To identify optimal treatment strategies for these hernias.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 181 children with exstrophy.
- Analysis of hernia development, surgical repair methods, and recurrence.
- Evaluation of internal ring defects and processus vaginalis patency.
Main Results:
- Inguinal hernias developed in 66.8% of the cohort.
- Prevalence was significantly higher in boys (81.8%) than girls (10.5%).
- Overall recurrence rate was 8.3%, with 81.8% bilaterality.
Conclusions:
- Routine screening for inguinal hernias is recommended before bladder closure in exstrophy patients.
- Contralateral exploration is advised for unilateral hernias.
- Preperitoneal repair emphasizing internal ring closure is the preferred method.
Purpose:
We delineated the prevalence, recurrence rates and optimal treatment of inguinal hernia in the exstrophy population.
Materials And Methods:
Of 181 children with exstrophy followed at our hospital inguinal hernias developed in 121 (66.8%).
Results:
In a 12-year period inguinal hernias developed in 81.8% of the boys and 10.5% of the girls. In 18.2% of the cases the hernia was repaired via a preperitoneal approach at the same time as exstrophy closure. The remaining patients underwent an inguinal operation. Most patients had a wide defect at the internal ring in addition to a patent processus vaginalis. The overall recurrence rate was 8.3%. The incidence of synchronous or asynchronous bilaterality was 81.8%.
Conclusions:
Children with bladder exstrophy should be carefully examined for inguinal hernias before bladder closure. If a unilateral hernia is present, the contralateral side should be explored. Careful preperitoneal repair should emphasize repair of the internal ring.
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