ABSTRACT
Inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical
conditions in infancy, with a peak incidence during the first
three months of life. The diagnosis of inguinal hernia is made
with increasing frequency in newborns; this period carries a
particularly high risk of incarceration. The incidence of
hernia is much higher in premature infants who survive in
increasing numbers after sophisticated intensive care man-
agement. As a consequence, more and more indications for
early surgical repair are proposed in a population in which
there are additional surgical and anesthetic risks.
