Female reproductive structures found in inguinal hernia sacs: A retrospective review

Background: In female infants undergoing herniorrhaphy, there is a reported incidence of 15%–20% of prolapsed adnexal structures. Our primary aim is to confirm the incidence of adnexal tissue in hernia sacs at the time of repair and to further delineate the clinical characteristics of this population at a major pediatric institution. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all cases of herniorrhaphy in female patients less than the age of 18 from June 2009 to December 2015 in a large tertiary referral children's hospital. Results: The overall incidence of patients with gynecological findings during herniorrhaphy was 11.2%. For patients with positive findings, the average gestational age at birth was 34.07 weeks, the age at surgery was 0.99 years, and the rate of right-sided hernias was 43.2%. For patients with negative findings, the average gestational age at birth was 38.23 weeks, the age at surgery was 5.14 years, and the rate of right-sided hernias was 23.2%. Conclusions: Incidence of adnexal structures found in hernia sacs is comparable to previously reported figures. These patients had a significantly lower gestational age at birth, lower age at surgery, and lower rate of right-sided hernias from the general population and from those without gynecological findings during herniorrhaphy. Level of evidence: Level II.