Patent processus vaginalis: role of ultrasound in pediatric population with unilateral inguinal hernia and other predictors.

Introduction: Inguinal hernia (IH) repair is a common procedure in the daily practice of pediatric surgeons. In a developing country with limited facilities, it is important to be able to predict and diagnose contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) to avoid the risk and cost of further surgery.

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of ultrasound for the detection of CPPV, using laparoscopic evaluation as a confirmatory test.