Is contralateral inguinal exploration necessary in preterm girls undergoing inguinal hernia repair during the first months of life?

Abstract

To assess the need for contralateral surgical exploration in preterm girls with symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia. The medical data of girls operated for inguinal hernia between 2004 and 2016 in a single pediatric surgery center were retrospectively collected. Preterm girls operated for unilateral hernia before 6 months of life were selected (55/517 cases) to assess the incidence and risk factors for contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia (CMIH). CMIH was observed in 7% of cases (4 girls with a right inguinal hernia in 3 cases) at a mean age of 4.2years. Only one case occurred early (3months). Birth weight and term were comparable (1674 ± 620g and 32 ± 5 WA without CMIH vs. 1694 ± 582g and 33 ± 3 WA with CMIH). Contralateral inguinal hernia is very rare and generally occurs several years after inguinal repair surgery in preterm girls, which should encourage practitioners to follow these children throughout childhood for the subsequent development of inguinal hernia. This study did not find any arguments in favor of systematic contralateral exploration in preterm girls.