Incarcerated inguinal hernia in premature babies - a report of two cases

We highlight the morbidity of incarcerated inguinal hernia in very low birt hweight (VLBW) infants by presenting a report of two cases. Our aim is to r aise the question of the optimal timing of surgery when this common problem presents on the neonatal unit. in each of our cases the hernia was diagnos ed but surgery was delayed, as per normal policy on the unit, pending growt h of the baby and improvement in respiratory status. Both babies suffered s ignificant morbidity when the hernias subsequently became acutely incarcera ted. Conclusion: In conclusion, we question whether the widespread practice of d elayed surgery for inguinal hernia in VLBW infants should be reconsidered.