Spontaneous regression of clinical inguinal hernias in preterm female infants.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This is a prospective study of 8 clinically apparent inguinal hernias in 7 preterm infant girls. METHODS: The diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed by ultrasonography, which also showed the contents of the hernia. RESULTS: One hernia contained an ovary, the other 7 intestinal loops. The hernias with only intestinal loops regressed spontaneously when the girls were between the ages of 2 and 6 months postpartum. This was confirmed by ultrasonography. At follow-up 2 to 6 years later there has been no recurrence. The hernia that contained the ovary did not regress, and hernia repair (confirming the presence of the ovary) was carried out uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that preterm infant girls with an inguinal hernia should have ultrasonography performed at presentation. Surgery probably will be required when the hernia contains structures such as an ovary. When the hernia contains only intestinal loops an expectant policy may be advisable. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.