Clinical features of Amyand's hernia in children

Abstract

Objective To study clinical features and treatment experience of Amyand's hernia in children. Methods Clinical information of 17 cases of types Ⅱ and Ⅲ hernia was studied retrospectively from January 2002 to December 2009. Results There were 15 boys(88. 24%) and 2 girls (11.76%)in the study, the median age was 1.1 years (25 days to 6 years and 5 months). The common presenting symptom was painful inguinal or inguinoscrotal swelling (100%), vomiting (52. 94%), fever (≥ 38. 5 °) (52. 94%). X-ray showed intestinal obstruction (29. 41 %). Ultrasound found mixed mass in the groin area (100%). All of 17 cases presented with elevated WBC (＞10,000). 17 cases of types Ⅱ and Ⅲ Amyanc's hernia were completed successfully by the cut-down herniorrhaphy + appendectomy. The specimens were proved appendicitis in 7 cases, suppurative appendicitis in 8 cases, and gangrenous appendicitis in 2 cases by pathological diagnoses. No recurrence was found within the follow-up time (10m ～ 8y). Conclusions Amyand's hernia is rare, the treatment of type Ⅰ Amyanc's hernia is similar to generally incarcerated hernia, putting the appendix into the abdominal cavity, directly; type Ⅱ and Ⅲ Amyand's hernia were treated by the cut-down herniorrhaphy and appendectomy. Key words: Hernia, ventral; Appendectomy