INGUINAL HERNIA IN FEMALE CHILDREN - A CASE SERIES OF 19 PATIENTS

Abstract

BackgroundInguinal hernia is quite uncommon in females as compared to males and may pose a diagnostic as well as a surgical challenge to the surgeons. Thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the region and the variable nature of contents is essential to prevent any complications. The cumulative incidence of inguinal hernia from birth to 15 years of age has been reported as 6.62% in males and 0.74% in females. Aims and objectivesThe aim of the study was to study the clinical profile and management of inguinal hernia in female children. Material and methodsThestudy,Inguinal Hernia in Female Children – A case series of 19 patients was conducted prospectively in the department of Surgery at Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Medical College Srinagar from March 2017 to February 2022. All the female children in the age group of 1 to 14 years who presented with clinical or Sonographic evidence of inguinal hernia were included in the study. Results and observations Total number of patients studied was nineteen. All the study patients had indirect inguinal hernia, with right sided hernia in 8 (42.10%), left sided hernia in 10 (52.25%) patients and bilateral hernia in one patient(5.26%).At the time of surgery, indirect sac alone was found in 50% patients, indirect sac containing omentum was seen in 18.75% patients and a sac containing small bowel was seen in 25% patients.One patient had a sliding hernia containing ovary and fallopian tube. All the patients underwent herniotomy under general anesthesia. Conclusion Thorough knowledge of female inguinal anatomy is essential before attempting any surgical intervention for inguinal hernia. The possibility of a sliding inguinal hernia with uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries should be considered and may present as an incarcerated inguinal hernia in females.Herniotomy is the surgical procedure of choice in all patients.