Early Versus Late Inguinal Hernia Repair in Preterm Neonates: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

The optimal timing of inguinal hernia repair in preterm neonates remains debated. Early repair may reduce incarceration risk but increases perioperative complications, while delayed repair lowers anesthetic risk but raises the risk of incarceration while awaiting repair. In the absence of consensus guidelines, practices vary widely. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare early (during birth hospitalization) versus delayed (post-discharge) inguinal hernia repair in preterm neonates.