Eur J Pediatr Surg 2011; 21(5): 296-298
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1279688
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A New Intraperitoneal Technique for Safe Repair of Incarcerated Inguinal Hernias: A Novel Technique to Consider

A. D. Ram1 , R. A. Wheeler2
  • 1University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Cardiff, United Kingdom
  • 2Southampton General Hospital, Paediatric Surgery, Southampton, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

received March 23, 2011

accepted after revision April 16, 2011

Publication Date:
15 June 2011 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: Inguinal herniotomy is one of the most common operations performed by paediatric surgeons. Most procedures are elective operations but occasionally the hernia is incarcerated. Complications after emergency repair of an incarcerated hernia repair are higher than those associated with elective surgery because of congestion of the sac. Operative techniques described so far include low, high, preperitoneal and laparoscopic approaches. We describe here an open intraperitoneal technique.

Methods: 6 boys aged between 4–40 weeks were taken urgently to the operating room for incarcerated inguinal hernia repair. All boys were operated on using an open intraperitoneal technique. In this technique, the congested sac does not need to be separated from the adherent vas and vessels within the inguinal canal, the reduced bowel can be inspected with 3D visualisation and resected if necessary, and the peritoneum can be easily incised and sutured through a single skin incision, reducing the risk of complications and providing superior cosmesis.

Results: All patients had very good postoperative outcomes with no complications.

Conclusions: The technique can be used not only for incarcerated inguinal hernia repair but also for problematic repairs of recurrent hernias. Disadvantages include postoperative hydrocele formation and failure to inspect the testicle.

References

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  • 2 Hebra A. eMedicine: Paediatric Hernias.  2006;  [Online] Accessed May 2008. Available at URL: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2559.htm
  • 3 Rowe MI, O’Neill JA, Grosfeld JL. et al .eds Essentials of Paediatric Surgery.. 4th Edition. St Louis: Mosby; 1995: 446-452
  • 4 Misra D, Hewitt G, Potts SR. et al . Inguinal herniotomy in young infants, with emphasis on premature neonates.  J Paediatr Surg. 1994;  29 (11): 1496-1498
  • 5 Ashcraft KW, Holcomb GW, Murphy JP. Paediatric Surgery.. 4th Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2005: 703
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Correspondence

Ashok Daya RamMBBS, FRCS, FRCPS 

University Hospital of Wales

Cardiff

Department of Paediatric

Surgery

Heath Park

CF14 4XW Cardiff

United Kingdom

Phone: + 44 29 2074 7747

Fax: + 44 29 2074 3838

Email: ashokdram@hotmail.com

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