We suggest that the PU:XU ratio should be 0.61 offering an ideal localization in umbilical reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to document the data of incarceration in a group of children with inguinal hernia and to investigate whether incarceration could have been prevented. Materials and methods: A retrospective study reviewed the records of 3100 children who underwent herniorrhaphy between 1989 and 2007 in one centre, with 113 patients having hernia incarceration. In 16 patients, manual reduction was not attempted because of signs of strangulation, and in the remaining ones, reduction following sedation was not successful. The patients were evaluated with respect to age, postoperative mortality, and morbidity and especially whether he or she had been scheduled for operation in a surgical department. The incidence of incarcerated inguinal hernia and risk factors were analysed. Results: Of the 113 patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia, 105 were boys (92.9%), with a male to female ratio of 13:1. The majority of the patients were under one year of age (n=73); and 47 were 0-3 months old. Three laparotomies, 7 small intestinal resection and primary anastomoses, 2 oophorectomy, 7 partial omentectomy and 8 appendectomies were performed. During the 6 months to 18 years follow-up, testicular atrophy was seen in 4 boys. Two babies died. Scrotal oedema, testicular atrophy and mortality rate were significantly higher in incarcerated hernia patients compared with those without incarceration (all with p=0.001). Conclusions: Apparently, incarceration may be a preventable problem. Priority should be given to the treatment of inguinal hernias in infants less than 1 year of age, especially those 1-3 months old, as their risk of incarceration is higher.

In the light of our experience, a scrotal approach to hydrocele repair in children would be difficult in cases of incarceration with hernia. Omental incarceration may cause hydrocele, and this hydrocele can be confused with normal hydrocele. Therefore, we would continue to recommend an inguinal approach for childhood hydroceles.

The method we used can be performed at bedside and without the application of anesthesia, but should be tried on more patients to determine its effect.

Stenting performed at the time of corrosive injury and cutting balloon dilatation performed after stricture formation had a positive effect with regard to SI and weight gain in an animal model.