Review on inguinal hernia in children

Inguinal hernia is frequently diagnosed by clinical exam. Imaging tests are recommended in the absence of definitive signs or associated symptoms that indicate complications. Ultrasonography (US) is the most common method used for examination of the various types of hernias. Inguinal hernias are the most prevalent type of hernia. US (grayscale or color Doppler ultrasonography) are suggested for examining inguinal hernias. CT is used to differentiate inguinal and femoral hernia based on the correlation between the hernia sac and pubic tubercle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is favored for diagnosing occult inguinal hernias when there are constraints associated with US and computed tomography (CT); or a lack of definitive diagnostic results Inguinal hernia is an acquired or congenital condition wherein the abdominal cavity contents protrude into the inguinal canal. In men, the testes migrate from the abdomen into the scrotum through the inguinal canal. Thus, men (more than women) are more likely to develop an indirect inguinal hernia. An indirect hernia can occur congenitally. Indirect inguinal hernias present on the lateral side of the Hesselbach triangle and enter the inguinal canal through the deep or internal inguinal ring. Direct inguinal hernias constitute inguinal hernias that protrude through the Hesselbach triangle, remaining medial and caudal to the inguinal canal’s origin at the internal inguinal ring. These hernias are common in older males and carry a lower risk of strangulation. The characteristic sign of a direct hernia on CT is a lateral fat crescent.