Inguinal Hernia

Three primary repair approaches exist for inguinal hernia: tissue repair, open mesh repair, and laparoscopic mesh repair. Within open repair, surgeons can perform repairs without mesh or with mesh using techniques such as Lichtenstein. Laparoscopic approaches include preperitoneal or extraperitoneal repairs. Literature supports all three approaches for unilateral primary hernias, with approach selection based on patient factors rather than one technique being substantially superior to others.

An inguinal hernia is a defect in the groin region resulting from failure of the processus vaginalis to fuse. Indirect inguinal hernias—the most common type—occur above the inguinal ligament and lateral to the epigastric vessels and represent a congenital anomaly present at birth. Inguinal hernias are very common, particularly in preterm infants, and inguinal hernia repair is the second most common surgery performed by pediatric surgeons. Risk factors include prematurity, male sex, family history, undescended testicle, hydrocele, and connective tissue disorders.