Timing of inguinal hernia repair in children varies greatly among hernia surgeons.

Introduction: Due to disagreement on optimal timing of inguinal hernia repair in children, we explored how Danish surgeons plan repair in children at different ages and with different symptoms.

Methods: A validated questionnaire on timing of inguinal hernia repair in children was sent to all surgeons performing paediatric hernia repair in Denmark. The surgeons were asked how they plan repair of asymptomatic reducible, symptomatic reducible, incarcerated, and strangulated hernias in children aged less than 2, 2-12 and 13-18 years.

Results: Forty-eight surgeons (81%) completed the questionnaire. Answers concerning the timing of repair of reducible and incarcerated hernias varied greatly for all age groups. For reducible hernias, the answers ranged from repairing within one week to considering watchful waiting. For incarcerated hernias, the answers ranged from repair within 12 hours to three months. There was broad agreement on the need for acute repair of strangulated hernias.

Conclusions: Timing of paediatric inguinal hernia repair was inconsistent for children of all age groups and in particular for those with reducible hernias. The results call for a new guideline to ensure consistent and optimal treatment as well as an educational effort about the pros and cons of early and delayed repair.

Funding: none.

Trial Registration: not relevant.