Our Summary

This research paper is about the different methods surgeons in Denmark are using to fix inguinal hernias in children. An inguinal hernia is when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the groin. The researchers sent a survey to all the surgeons in Denmark who perform this type of surgery on children. The survey asked questions about the surgeons’ background, whether they use an open or keyhole surgery approach, and about the specific steps they take during the surgery. The survey also had the surgeons answer these questions for three different age groups of children: under 2 years, 2-12 years, and 13-18 years.

The results showed that most surgeons only used the open surgery approach for children 12 years and younger. None of the surgeons only used the keyhole approach for this age group. For teenagers, two thirds of the surgeons only used the open approach, a small percentage only used the keyhole approach, and the rest used both. The researchers also found a lot of variation in the specific steps the surgeons took during the surgery.

The researchers concluded that more studies are needed to better understand the best way to fix inguinal hernias in children. This could help create updated guidelines for surgeons to follow, which could improve the quality of these surgeries and make it easier to study this topic.

FAQs

  1. What is an inguinal hernia and how is it treated in children?
  2. What were the results of the survey sent to surgeons in Denmark regarding the methods used for inguinal hernia repair in children?
  3. Why did the researchers conclude that more studies are needed for inguinal hernia repair in children?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications. It is also important to inform the surgeon about any allergies or medical conditions before the surgery. After the surgery, it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, attending all follow-up appointments with the surgeon is crucial for monitoring recovery progress.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those who are older children or teenagers, as younger children are more commonly treated with open surgery. This is based on the findings of the study in Denmark, where surgeons predominantly used open surgery for children 12 years and younger. For teenagers, there was more variation in the approach used, with some surgeons opting for laparoscopic surgery.

It is important for surgeons to consider the age of the patient when deciding on the best approach for hernia repair, as younger children may not be suitable candidates for laparoscopic surgery. By conducting further research and developing updated guidelines, surgeons can ensure that they are providing the best possible care for patients with inguinal hernias.

Timeline

  • Before laparoscopic hernia repair:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms of inguinal hernia such as a bulge in the groin area, pain, and discomfort.
  2. Patient consults with a physician who diagnoses the hernia and recommends surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and preparation for the surgery.
  • After laparoscopic hernia repair:
  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic hernia repair surgery, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera to guide the repair of the hernia.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort following the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day or the day after the surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to follow post-operative instructions such as limiting physical activity, avoiding heavy lifting, and taking care of the incision sites.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure that the hernia has been successfully repaired.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic hernia repair include:

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to traditional open surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  3. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair in children?
  4. How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic hernia repair?
  5. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities following laparoscopic hernia repair?
  6. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair on children?
  7. What specific steps will you take during the surgery to repair my child’s hernia?
  8. Will my child need any additional follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options for my child’s hernia?
  10. How can I best prepare my child for the laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Olesen CS, Andersen K, Öberg S, Deigaard SL, Rosenberg J. Journal: Dan Med J. 2020 Apr;67(4):A12190687. PMID: 32285794