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[Incidence of contralateral inguinal hernias in infancy and childhood]
G Steinau1, J Schleef, M Lambertz
1Chirurgische Universitätsklinik, RWTH Aachen, Germany.
Insights
Inguinal hernias are common in infants. Routine contralateral hernia operation in infants under two months is recommended due to high rates of developing a second hernia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Care
- Surgical Outcomes
Context:
- Inguinal hernia is a prevalent surgical condition in infants, affecting 1-2% of full-term and up to 30% of premature newborns.
- Contralateral hernias are identified in 9.5% of cases post-unilateral operation, with a 5.6% rate observed in this study's patients.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the incidence of contralateral inguinal hernias in infants post-unilateral repair.
- To identify risk factors associated with contralateral hernia development.
- To assess the optimal timing for surgical intervention.
Summary:
- The study found that contralateral inguinal hernias developed significantly more often in boys than girls.
- Infants diagnosed with a hernia within the first two months of life showed a highly significant increased risk (p > 0.0001) of developing a contralateral hernia later.
- A substantial 84.9% of second hernias emerged within the first two postoperative years.
Impact:
- Recommends routine contralateral hernia operation for all infants younger than two months.
- Suggests a proactive surgical approach to minimize the risk of subsequent contralateral hernia development and associated complications.
- Aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens in pediatric inguinal hernia management.
Abstract:
Inguinal hernia is a frequent surgical disease during infancy, occurring in 1 to 2% of all mature newborns and rise up to 30% of all premature babies. In 9.5% a contralateral hernia is found after unilateral operation. In our own patients this rate was 5.6%. The development of a contralateral hernia was significantly more often found in boys than in girls. If the hernia occurred during the first two months of life, a contralateral hernia developed later highly significant (p > 0.0001). Within the first two postoperative years the second hernia arose in 84.9%. We recommended to routinely operation for a contralateral hernia in all children younger than two months.