Inguinal hernia management in preterm infants: addressing current issues of interest

We define as preterm any newborn born before 37 weeks of gestation. The incidence of inguinal hernia is 1–4.4% among full term neonates and older children. In preterm newborns it is significantly more often, with an incidence that raises up to 30%. In this comprehensive review of the literature we provide evidence-based answers in various questions concerning the optimal treatment of inguinal hernias in preterm neonates. Such questions include the proper time of intervention, the choice of optimal anesthesia, the necessity for contralateral investigation in case of an ipsilateral hernia, the prevention of post-operative apnea and the choice between classic and laparoscopic surgical techniques.