value of palpation of patent processus vaginalis in diagnosis of pediatric indirect Inguninal Hernia

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to assess the importance of palpation of indirect inguinal hernia sac [patent processus vaginalis] in establishing the clinical diagnosis in infants and children. A total of 459 patients [414 males and 45 females] with indirect hernias operated on were included in this study over a period of 15 years. History taken from the mother and palpation findings of hernia sac were assessed in comparison to operative findings. In most patients the clinical diagnosis was the same as operative diagnosis, so the palpation test is very accurate method and is sufficient indication for exploration. Palpation of indirect inguinal hernia sac [patent processus vaginalis] is very useful, simple, non invasive method of preoperative evaluation of the indirect inguinal hernias, reliable in minimizing unnecessary exploration and correlate well with the operative findings even if no bulge is detected in the inguinal region