Hernia recurrence following inguinal hernia repair in children

Purpose

We aimed to describe the incidence, timing, and predictors of recurrence following inguinal hernia repair (IHR) in children.

Methods

We used the TRICARE claims database, a national cohort of > 3 million child dependents of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. We abstracted data on children < 12y who underwent IHR (2005–2014). Our primary outcome was recurrence (ICD9-CM diagnosis codes). We calculated incidence rates for the population and stratified by age, time from repair to recurrence, and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors.

Results

Nine thousand nine hundred ninety-three children met inclusion criteria. Age at time of IHR was ≤ 1y in 37%, 2-3y in 23%, 4–5y in 16%, and 5–12y in 24%. Median follow-up time was 3.5y (IQR:1.6–6.1). 137 patients recurred (1.4%), with an incidence of 3.46 per 1000 person-years. Over half occurred in children 0-1y at repair (60%). The majority occurred within a year following repair (median 209?days IQR:79–486]). Children 0-1y had 2.53 times greater odds of recurrence (compared to > 5y). Children with multiple comorbidities had 5.45 times greater odds compared to those with no comorbidities.

Conclusions

The incidence of recurrence following IHR is 3.46 per 1000 person-years. The majority occurred within a year of repair. Children ≤ 1y and those with multiple comorbidities were at increased risk.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis Study, Level II.