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22 - Inguinal and umbilical hernias

from Part IV - Abdomen

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 January 2010

By
Emma J. Parkinson  and
Agostino Pierro
Edited by
Mark D. Stringer ,
Keith T. Oldham  and
Pierre D. E. Mouriquand
Emma J. Parkinson
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
Agostino Pierro
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
Mark D. Stringer
Affiliation:
University of Otago, New Zealand
Keith T. Oldham
Affiliation:
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Pierre D. E. Mouriquand
Affiliation:
Debrousse Hospital, Lyon
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Summary

Inguinal hernia

The patent processus vaginalis is the common element in the pathogenesis of both congenital indirect inguinal hernia and congenital hydrocele. A wide patent processus creates a hernia by permitting the passage of intra-abdominal organs into the hernia sac, a hydrocele has a narrower processus permitting the passage of intraperitoneal fluid only. An inguinal hernia commonly presents as a reducible groin mass emerging from the external inguinal ring, lateral to the pubic tubercle, and may extend into the scrotum.

Congenital indirect inguinal hernias are one of the most common surgical conditions in infancy with a peak incidence in the first three months of life, occurring in approximately 3.5 to 5% of full-term neonates. In premature infants the incidence increases further, up to approximately 30%.

Boys have an increased incidence (male to female ratio between 8:1 and 12:1). In both sexes the incidence of right-sided inguinal hernia is higher than left (right 64%, left 29%, bilateral 7%). Consequently, patients presenting initially with a left-sided hernia have a higher probability of developing a metachronous hernia.

Specific abnormalities predispose to the development of inguinal hernia early in life. Prematurity is the most important risk factor (Table 22.1). These conditions represent part of a whole spectrum of incomplete obliteration of the processus vaginalis which leads to the potential development of both hydroceles and inguinal hernias.

Historical aspects

There is evidence from 1552 BC that the Egyptians described inguinal hernias controlled by external pressure.

Type
Chapter
Information
Pediatric Surgery and Urology
Long-Term Outcomes
 , pp. 286 - 295
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2006

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