Is it mandatory to perform appendectomy in management of amyand’s hernia in children? our center experience

Abstract

Background Amyand’s hernia (AH) is a rare condition due to herniation of an appendix into the sac of the inguinal hernia. There is no consensus concerning the ideal management of AH whether to do appendectomy during herniotomy or not. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients’ data records with AH operated at Minia University pediatric surgery unit from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2022 was done. Results From 2018 to 2022, 11 cases of AH were operated at Minia University pediatric surgery unit. The appendix alone was found in 7 (63.6%) cases, while it was associated with cecum in 2 (18.1%) cases and with bowel in 1 (9%) case and with both cecum and small bowel in 1 (9%) case. In 5 (45.45%) cases, the appendix was looking normal and was managed by reduction of appendix and herniotomy. In 6 (54.54%) cases the appendix was inflamed and managed by appendectomy and then herniotomy. The postoperative period was uneventful in all cases. Conclusions Appendectomy should be done only for inflamed and/or ischemic appendages. Reduction of the appendix into the abdominal cavity followed by herniotomy in a normally looking appendix is a safe option and appendectomy should not be made for all cases.