RESUMO
Background: Inguinal and scrotal swellings are frequently encountered in the surgical practice, especially in children. It is also important to study the factors which are associated with inguinal hernia, especially in children, for its effective management. Objective:To study the factors which are associated with inguinal hernia in children. Material and Methods: A retrospective hospital based study was undertaken in the Department of Surgery for a period of one year between September 2016 to November 2017. Children who were aged one day to 12 years were selected for the study. Total 34 patients were enrolled in our study. The details regarding the clinical history and the examination details were collected by using a predesigned proforma. The data which was thus collected was analysed by using the appropriate statistical tests. Results: The inguinal hernia in the study group was common in the 1-5 years age group. 33 patients were males and only 1 patient was female; a swelling in the inguinal region was the commonest symptom. The swelling of the inguinal hernia was irreducible in 6 cases. The testis was palpable in all cases; a cough impulse was seen and felt in all cases. Tenderness of the swelling was present in 2 cases. Conclusions:Inguinal hernia is a common congenital condition in children. Herniotomy is the treatment of choice for congenital inguinal hernia.