Inguinal hernia repair in newborns: A systematic literature review

Authors

  • Rachida Lamiri Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Fatma Chebab Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Nahla Kechiche Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Salma Mani Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Hayet Ben Hmida Department of Intensive Care and Neonatal Medicine, Teaching Hospital of Monastir, University of Monastir – Tunisia
  • Maroua El Ouaer Department of Intensive Care and Neonatal Medicine, Teaching Hospital of Monastir, University of Monastir – Tunisia
  • Sawsen Chakroun Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; University of Monastir
  • Amine Ksia Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Mongi Mekki Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Mohsen Belghith Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Nahla Hmidi Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir
  • Lassaad Sahnoun Pediatric surgery Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia; university of Monastir

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v13.1253

Keywords:

Inguinal hernia, Newborn, Preterm, Surgery, Laparoscopy

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a prevalent condition in children necessitating surgical repair. However, determining the optimal timing (early or delayed) of inguinal herniotomy in neonates and preterm infants remains debatable. While open herniotomy traditionally serves as the standard inguinal hernia repair (IHR) procedure, laparoscopic repair has gained traction in recent decades. Our study aims to scrutinize both the optimal timing and approach to inguinal hernia repair in neonates and preterm infants.

Methods: We conducted a literature review on surgical repair of IH in neonates and preterm infants published between 1999 and 2024.

Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. All studies were retrospective, predominantly originating from Europe and the United States. Thirteen out of the 20 studies focused solely on preterm infants. Patient sample sizes ranged from 30 to 8037, totaling 14533 patients. Most studies indicate that delaying inguinal hernia repair in newborns and preterm infants does not increase the risk of incarceration or recurrence. Moreover, postponing repair until after discharge from the NICU correlates with a shorter postoperative hospital stay and notably diminishes the risk of long-term postoperative ventilator dependence, thereby mitigating potential perioperative complications. Hence, this approach seems safe for certain patients whose families can reliably access appropriate surgical care.

Conclusion: Significant disparities exist in the timing of inguinal hernia repair for newborns and preterm infants across various pediatric surgery centers. Current evidence suggests delayed inguinal hernia repair may be a viable option for selected patients. Regarding the optimal approach in this population, laparoscopy appears safe and effective.

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Published

2024-05-20

How to Cite

1.
Lamiri R, Chebab F, Kechiche N, Mani S, Ben Hmida H, El Ouaer M, Chakroun S, Ksia A, Mekki M, Belghith M, Hmidi N, Sahnoun L. Inguinal hernia repair in newborns: A systematic literature review. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2024May20 [cited 2025Sep.28];13(1):23. Available from: https://mail.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/1253

Issue

Vol. 13 (2024): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis

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Copyright (c) 2023 Rachida Lamiri, Fatma Chebab, Nahla Kechiche , Salma Mani, Hayet Ben Hmida, Maroua El Ouaer, Sawsen Chakroun, Amine Ksia, Mongi Mekki, Mohsen Belghith, Nahla Hmidi, Lassaad Sahnoun

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