# Delayed versus early repair of inguinal hernia in preterm infants — GCMD Library

<p>Another Article you should know by Dr. Cecilia Gigena </p>

<p>"Delayed versus early repair of inguinal hernia in preterm infants: A systematic review & meta-analysis"</p>

<p><strong>Authors:</strong> <em>Candy SC Choo, Yong Chen, Merrill McHoney</em></p>

<p><strong>Full Article:<a href="http:// https://gcmd.co/3uqGGUH"> </a></strong><a href="http:// https://gcmd.co/3uqGGUH">https://gcmd.co/3uqGGUH</a></p>

<p><strong>Objectives</strong></p>

<p>To evaluate the clinical outcomes of herniotomy in preterm infants undergoing early versus delayed repair, the risk factors for complications, and to identify best timing of surgery.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>Medline, Embase and Central databases were searched from inception until 25 Jan 2021 to identify publications comparing the timing of neonatal inguinal hernia repair between early intervention (before discharge from first hospitalization) and delayed (after first hospitalisation discharge) intervention. Inclusion criteria was preterm infants diagnosed with inguinal hernia during neonatal intensive care unit admission. Results were analyzed using fixed and random effects meta-analysis (RevManv5.4).</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Out of 721 articles found, six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients in the early group had lower odds of developing incarceration [odds ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.55, I2 = 0%, <em>p</em> < 0.001]; but higher risk of post-operative respiratory complications (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.13–8.94, I2 = 40%, <em>p</em> < 0.001). No significant differences were reported in recurrence rate (OR 3.10, 95% CI 0.90–10.64, I2 = 0%, <em>p</em> = 0.07) and surgical complication rate (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.18–4.83, I2 = 0%, <em>p</em> = 0.94) between early and delayed groups.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>While early inguinal hernia repair in preterm infants reduces the risk of incarceration, it increases the risk of post-operative respiratory complications compared to delayed repair. Surgeons should discuss the risks and benefits of delaying inguinal hernia repair with the caregivers to make an informed decision best suited to the patient physiology and circumstances.</p>


Type: video · 0 min · posted 2023-11-23
Canonical: https://library.globalcastmd.com/watch/delayed-versus-early-repair-of-inguinal-hernia-in-preterm-infants-7705

## Chapters
- [0:00](https://library.globalcastmd.com/watch/delayed-versus-early-repair-of-inguinal-hernia-in-preterm-infants-7705?t=0) Timing of Inguinal Hernia Repair in Preterm Infants

## Statements
- "The systematic review and meta-analysis examined timing of inguinal hernia repair in preterm babies" — Cecilia Gigena (clinical) [0:10](https://library.globalcastmd.com/watch/delayed-versus-early-repair-of-inguinal-hernia-in-preterm-infants-7705?t=10)
- "The review included 6 articles" — Cecilia Gigena (epidemiological) [0:21](https://library.globalcastmd.com/watch/delayed-versus-early-repair-of-inguinal-hernia-in-preterm-infants-7705?t=21)
- "Patients operated before discharge in the first hospitalization had lower odds of incarceration" — Cecilia Gigena (clinical) [0:21](https://library.globalcastmd.com/watch/delayed-versus-early-repair-of-inguinal-hernia-in-preterm-infants-7705?t=21)
- "Patients operated before discharge in the first hospitalization had higher risk of respiratory complications in the post-op" — Cecilia Gigena (clinical) [0:32](https://library.globalcastmd.com/watch/delayed-versus-early-repair-of-inguinal-hernia-in-preterm-infants-7705?t=32)

## Transcript
When do you repair inguinal hernias in preterm babies? Hi, I'm Cecilia Jigena from Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and I think this is an article that you should know about. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, and they wanted to see when was the best timing for operating inguinal hernias in preterm babies. And what did they find? They reviewed 6 articles and they found that patients operated before the discharge in the first hospitalization had lower odds of incarceration but had higher risk of respiratory complications in the post-op. Let us know what you think and stay tuned for more articles that you should know about.

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Not medical advice · citation policy: https://library.globalcastmd.com/ai