From the Guidelines
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, occurring in approximately 3% to 5% of term infants and 13% in infants born at less than 33 weeks of gestational age, as reported in the study published in Pediatrics in 2012 1. The high incidence of inguinal hernias in infants, particularly those born preterm, underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent complications such as incarceration or strangulation.
- Key factors contributing to the development of inguinal hernias include:
- Embryological factors, such as the descent of the testes and the formation of the processus vaginalis
- Anatomical differences, specifically the natural weakness in the abdominal wall where the spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal
- Risk factors, including being male, older age, chronic coughing, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, and family history
- Treatment for inguinal hernias typically involves surgical repair, either through open surgery or laparoscopic techniques, with mesh reinforcement often used to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent recurrence, as noted in the guidance provided by the study 1.
- The study highlights the importance of understanding the embryology and natural history of inguinal hernias to inform optimal timing and approach to repair in infants, although it acknowledges that definitive data on this topic is lacking 1.
From the Research
Types of Hernias
- Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, and they occur when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
Characteristics of Inguinal Hernias
- Inguinal hernias can be acute or chronic, and they can be strangulated, which means that the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
- Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency and require immediate surgical attention [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
Treatment Options for Inguinal Hernias
- Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to repair inguinal hernias, including strangulated hernias [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
- Open surgery is also an option for repairing inguinal hernias, but it typically requires a larger incision and may result in more postoperative pain and complications [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].