Hernia Exploration oR Not In Infants Analysis

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

There is a high incidence of metachronous (i.e. a second) contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) in infants with an inguinal hernia (5-30%, most studies report 10%), with the highest risk in infants aged less than 6 months. Metachronous hernia is associated with the risk of incarceration and general r...

There is a high incidence of metachronous (i.e. a second) contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) in infants with an inguinal hernia (5-30%, most studies report 10%), with the highest risk in infants aged less than 6 months. Metachronous hernia is associated with the risk of incarceration and general risks and costs of a second operation. This can potentially be avoided by contralateral exploration at the first operation. On the other hand contralateral exploration may turn out to be unnecessary, is associated with additional operating time and cost, and may be associated with additional complications of surgery (including testicular atrophy, wound infection) and anesthesia. Both policies to routinely explore the contralateral side or not are used in the treatment of unilateral inguinal hernias in children. There is no high-grade level of evidence of the superiority of one of either policy.

Tracking Information