Optimal timing for ovarian sliding hernia repair in infant

Abstract

Objective: Ovarian sliding hernia is usually operated emergently or early. Recently, elective surgery has been recommended. However, the ideal time for surgery has not been clarified. We aimed to determine the ideal timing of surgery for ovarian sliding hernias in infant. Materials and Methods: The data of nonreducible inguinal hernia in female infants rewived who were operated at our clinic between 2011-2021. The data of ovarian sliding hernias were evaluated for age, clinical findings and surgical outcomes. Results: Of the 76 nonreducible inguinal hernias, 85.5% (n = 65) were found to have sliding hernias of the ovary. The age range of ovarian sliding hernias were 0–3 months 76.9% (n = 50), 3–6 months 23.1% (n = 15) and 6-12 months %0(n=0). No ovarian torsion was detected in the age group 0-3 months, ovarian torsion was detected in one patient in age group 3–6 months, who also complained of restlessness, swelling in the groin, and tenderness. Conclusion: Although ovarian sliding hernia is more common in the 0–3 months, ovarian torsion was not detected in any patient in this period. Surgery for ovarian sliding hernia should be delayed until 3 months of age.