Title: Incidence of Congenital Inguinal Hernia in Children: An Observational Study

Authors: Anjay Kumar Baishya, Devid Hazarika

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i9.158

Abstract

Background: Inguinal hernia repair represents one of the most common operations performed in children. It is also important to study the factors which are associated with inguinal hernia, especially in children, for its effective management.

Objective: To study the incidence of inguinal hernia in children in a general surgery department in a rural medical college

Patients and Methods: A retrospective hospital based study was undertaken in the Department of surgery at Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College, Barpeta, Assam for a period of three years between 2013 to 2015. Children who were aged one year to 12 years were selected for the study. During this period 80 children of uncomplicated congenital inguinal hernia were admitted to the surgery department which constituted the sample. The detail clinical history and physical examination were done, and data collected by using a predesigned proforma. The data which was thus collected was analyzed by using the appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The inguinal hernia in the study group was common in the 5-10 years age group. 85% of the study group were males and 15% were females. A swelling in the inguinal region was the commonest symptom. Right sided hernia constituted 52 cases (65%).

Conclusions: Present study shall help in understanding incidence of congenital inguinal hernias, anatomical and sex distribution, beside difficulties encountered in their management in a general surgical unit. This study will help in a better management of congenital inguinal hernias by general surgeons.

Keywords: Congenital malformations, Inguinal Hernia, children, hernia repair.

References

  1. Thomas R Weber, Tom F. Tracy, Jr. Groin hernia and hydroceles Pediatric surgery 2nd edition W B Sanders Company Chapter 46 p562.
  2. Okunribido O , Ladipo JK , Ajao OG . Inguinal hernia in paediatric age-group: Ibadan experienceEast African Medical Journal. 1992; 6:347-348
  3. Morgan EH, Anson BJ. Anotomy of region of inguinal hernia. IV. The internal surface of the parietal layers. Q Bull North – Western Univ Med School 1942; 16:20-28.
  4. Cox J A. Inguinal hernia of childhood. Pediatr clin North Am 1985;65:1331-1342.
  5. Boocock GR, Todd pj. Inguinal hernias are common in preterm infants. Arch Dis Child 1985; 60:669-670.
  6. Holsclaw DS, Shwachman H. Increased incidence of inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and undescendedtestis in males in cystic fibrosis. Pediatrics 1971; 48:442-445.
  7. Johnstone JM, Rintoul RF. Operations for hernia. Farquharson’s text book of operative surgery. 7th edition.

Corresponding Author

Dr Devid Hazarika

Department of Surgery, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College, Barpeta, Assam, India

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.