Inguinal Hernia in Children: A Literature Review

摘要

A hernia is described as the bulging out of the abdominal viscera, often resulting from a weakening of the walls of the abdomen. This condition is diverse and includes femoral hernias, indirect inguinal hernias, and direct hernias. Of these, indirect inguinal hernias, which lie lateral to the inferior epicastric vessels, are the commonest in children as they are due to the patency of processus vaginalis. The incidence is estimated to be 1–3% in full-term neonates and up to 30% in premature infants. In males, the lifetime incidence of inguinal hernia is thought to occur at a rate as high as almost 5%. The diagnosis relies on history and physical examination. The gold approach to inguinal hernia repair is open inguinal hernia repair. Despite this, more and more patients are opting for laparoscopic procedures since they allow for a more thorough examination and treatment of both sides in a single appointment, instant closure of any uncommon hernias or open contralateral patent process vaginalis found during the surgery, and overall less invasiveness. Furthermore, robotic-assisted approach is arising as a new option for inguinal hernia repair in children.