22/07/2025
Surgical repair of an inguinal hernia in a neonate is strongly recommended and typically urgent. Here are the key reasons:
đź”´ 1. High Risk of Incarceration
Neonates have a significant risk (up to 60%) of the hernia becoming incarcerated (where bowel or o***y gets trapped and can't return to the abdomen).
Incarceration can occur suddenly and unpredictably, even before a scheduled surgery.
đź”´ 2. Risk of Strangulation
Incarcerated hernias can progress to strangulation, where the blood supply to the bowel (or te**is/o***y) is cut off.
This is a surgical emergency and can lead to bowel necrosis, sepsis, or loss of the testicle/o***y.
đźź 3. Hernia Will Not Resolve Spontaneously
Unlike umbilical hernias, inguinal hernias never resolve on their own in infants.
They are caused by a patent processus vaginalis, which must be closed surgically.
đźź 4. Prevention of Future Complications
Early repair prevents recurrent emergency visits, pain, feeding problems, and parental anxiety.
Also reduces risk of damage to reproductive structures (te**is or vas deferens in boys, o***y or fallopian tube in girls).
🔵 5. Relatively Safe and Quick Procedure
Inguinal herniotomy in neonates is a routine, low-risk procedure in experienced hands.
When done electively, outcomes are excellent.
🟢 6. Special Urgency in Preterm Infants
Preterm infants have a much higher risk of incarceration.
Many centers recommend repair before discharge from the NICU, even if the baby is asymptomatic.