Definition of giant inguinoscrotal hernias in infants and evaluation of reliable surgical approach in a single-center study

OBJECTIVE: Inguinal hernia surgery is the most common surgery performed by pediatric surgeons. Giant inguinoscrotal hernia has not been clearly defined yet. The definition of giant inguinoscrotal hernia and the reliability of the surgical procedure were investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixtyfour of totally 1548 male patients who have been operated with inguinal hernia from May 2015 to January 2018 were included in the study considering the diagnosis of giant inguinoscrotal hernia. The criteria for the diagnosis of giant inguinoscrotal hernia were determined as, observing that the hernia sac was filled with intestinal loops from the inguinal region to the scrotum during the physical examination, herniation of the intestines to the scrotum again as soon as the hernia was reduced and 2 cm and above inner ring diameter. High ligation and hernioplasty to 29 (45.3%) patients and hernioplasty using Zig maneuver to 35 (54.6%) patients were performed during the study. RESULTS: Postoperative wound infection was observed in 2 patients (6.8%) with high ligation and 1 (2.8%) patient with hernioplasty with Zig maneuver. Scrotal edema was detected in all the patients, which persisted until postoperative month 1. Recurrence was seen in 6 (20.6%) of 29 patients who operated using the high ligation method while it was seen in 2 (5.7%) of other 35 patients. None of the patients had testicular atrophy and/or iatrogenic undescended testis. CONCLUSION: Giant inguinoscrotal hernias should be defined and evaluated as a group apart from classical inguinoscrotal hernias. Recurrence and morbidity rates were lower in patients who underwent hernioplasty using Zig maneuver.