Hernie inguinale chez l'enfant : mise au point pratique

Abstract: Abnormal persistence of the processus vaginalis in children predisposes to a complication that is strangulated inguinal hernia. The inguinal hernia is a frequent pathology because global incidence varies from 0,8 to 4,4% for children of any age and reaches about 30% in premature children. Strangulated inguinal hernia is rare (from 1,5 to 8%) and constitutes a surgical emergency. More frequently, reduction following sedation is possible (from 25 to 33%), and normally leads to delayed surgery. Current practice is to operate early in these children, including preterm infants, before any complication arises. This early surgery requires use of regional anaesthetic techniques such as spinal anaesthesia, ileo-inguinal ileohypogastric nerve blocks and caudal anaesthesia. However, although this pathology may appear to be routine commonplace it requires a specialized surgical and anaesthetic approach and specialized environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]