Inguinal hernias in children

409 children with inguinal hernia were treated during the last four years. 1% of all children develop inguinal hernia by 12 years of age. Complication of incarceration was seen in 20% of children. The younger the patient, the higher the chances of incarceration. The highest rate of incarceration was seen in newborns and in infants in the first three months of life. To avoid this complication surgery should be undertaken as early as possible. Routine contralateral exploration is not advisable. Surgery on a day-time basis can safely be undertaken without any risk of additional complications