A TECHNIQUE OF DOUBLING THE CREMASTERIC MUSCLE IN LARGE INGUINAL-HERNIA REPAIR IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN - A LATE FOLLOW-UP

Between 1969 and 1988, 259 large inguinal hernias in 241 male infants and children were repaired, using a technique of doubling the cremasteric muscle, representing 1. 12 % of all inguinal hernia repairs in this time period. In a late follow-up, 4 to 20 years postoperatively, 195 patients (81 %) with 204 hernia repairs by doubling of the cremasteric muscle were re-evaluated. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients, one recurrence of the hernia, one testicular atrophy after an incarcerated hernia and one trapped testicle. The technique of doubling the cremasteric muscle in large inguinal hernia repair in male infants and children represents an alternative and safe operative procedure without further complications.