The Practice and Implications of Contralateral Exploration in Children with Unilateral Inguinal Hernia

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Abstract
Contralateral exploration was performed in 100 children with a unilateral inguinal hernia, and 40 were found to have a virginal sac. The highest yields occurred in girls (77%) and in boys under the age of two years (44%), the latter figure increasing if the original hernia was on the left side and/or was a complete sac. The type of sac discovered and its relationship to closure of the processus vaginalis are discussed, and evidence is given in favour of the congenital theory in the ætiology of indirect inguinal hernias. The advantages and disadvantages of bilateral exploration are also discussed, and recommendations are made that experienced pædiatric surgeons should undertake Contralateral exploration (i) in uncomplicated hernias in boys in the first years of life, and (ii) in girls.