ABSTRACT
Inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions in infancy, with a peak incidence during the first 3 months of life. The incidence of hernia is much higher in premature infants, who are surviving in increasing numbers with improved intensive care management, and subsequently increasing the overall incidence. Almost all inguinal hernias in the newborn are indirect in nature, through a patent processus vaginalis; direct inguinal hernias are exceedingly rare at this age. The incidence of inguinal hernia in preterm infants is considerably higher and ranges from 9" to 11". Inguinal hernia can be diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonographic screening. In the newborn, the presenting feature is a bulge in the groin, which increases in size with crying and which is usually noticed by the parent. The treatment of inguinal hernia is surgery. General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is preferred in small infants.
