Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to describe current treatment and trends in surgical management of pediatric inguinal hernias (IHs), specifically contralateral exploration. Methods: Surveys were sent to 599 Surgical Section members. Questions paralleled the 1993 American Academy of Pediatrics survey and addressed recent controversial topics. Statistical analysis by χ2 was performed. Results: Three hundred ninety-five (66%) surveys returned. For full-term boys with reducible IH, 79% (82%) repair electively, regardless of age or weight. For full-term girls with reducible ovary, 49% (27%) repair electively, 36% (59%) next available slot, 5% (10%) emergently (P <. 01). In former premature infants, 53% (65%) repair reducible IH when convenient, regardless of age. For unilaterally presenting IH, 44% (65%) routinely explore contralateral groins in boys 2 years or younger (P <. 01); 47% (84%) routinely explore girls 4 years or younger (P <. 01). No significant association between routine exploration patterns and years in practice, region of country, or training program affiliation was found. Laparoscopic evaluation for contralateral IH was reported by 37% (6%), (P <. 01) 1993 results italicized. Conclusion: Reports of routine contralateral inguinal exploration had absolute decreases of 21% for boys 2 years or younger, 37% for girls 4 years or younger. There has been a shift toward elective repair for girls with reducible ovaries. Use of laparoscopy for diagnostic contralateral evaluation has increased dramatically.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1009-1014 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatric Surgery |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright:Copyright 2018 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Anemia
- Contralateral
- Hydrocele
- Infant
- Inguinal hernia
- Laparoscopy
- Postoperative pain
- Questionnaires
- Surgery