Accidental bladder injury during elective inguinal hernia repair: a preventable complication with high morbidity

Literature review of 30 cases showing that accidental bladder injury during pediatric inguinal hernia repair carries significant morbidity, with 53% requiring revisional surgery and some cases resulting in partial or complete bladder resection. Bladder protrusions through the inguinal ring occur in 9% of infants under 6 months and may be mistaken for hernia sacs, emphasizing the need for surgical awareness to prevent this preventable complication.