Current Pediatric Research

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of one-stitch herniotomy in the management of inguinal hernia in infants. Materials and methods: Between January 2011 and June 2014, 100 children in the age group 0–14 months with unilateral inguinal hernia were prospectively enrolled for hernia repair and herniotomy was performed by one-stitch technique. The primary outcomes were the time in the operating room and cosmesis. The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain and surgical complications. Results: Of the 100 children who were included in the study, 88 were males (male/female ratio 7.3:1). The mean operating time was 14.99 ± 2.69 min with a total mean time in the operating room was 38.23 ± 9.84 min. Postoperative analgesia was required in 16% infants with only 6% requiring two or more doses over 24 h period. There were no recurrent hernias with minimal postoperative complications on follow-up. Contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia was seen in 10% children on follow-up. Cosmesis was excellent with overall reduced total procedure costs. Conclusion: One-stitch herniotomy is an excellent alternative to both conventional and laparoscopic hernia repair in children requiring less expertise and logistics with overall reduced procedure costs. Outcome in terms of cosmesis is excellent with minimal risks and complications.

Author(s): Raashid Hamid, Nisar Bhat

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