Management of Inguinal Hernias in Premature Infants- Pre or Post Discharge- What Is Best?

Inguinal hernias are one of the most commonly performed surgical procedure in children [1]. The incidence of inguinal hernias is up to 5% with an even higher incidence in premature infants. Incidence of inguinal hernias in premature infants is reported to be as high as 30% with male predominance and rates 3-4 times higher than in girls [2-4]. Frequency of inguinal hernia is inversely related to birthweight with rates highest in the 5001000g population [5]. This weight group is almost three times more likely to require emergent surgery due to incarceration. The risk of incarceration is doubled in premature neonates with inguinal hernia when repair is delayed beyond 40 weeks postconceptual age [2]. Approximately half of these low birth-weight infants are found to have bilateral hernias.