[Using the properties of Amyand's hernia in children in the preoperative diagnosis: our experience and review of the literature].

BACKGROUND: Amyand's hernia is a rare hernia in which a normal or inflamed appendix is found in the inguinal hernia sac. Differential diagnosis of Amyand's hernia prior to surgery is quite difficult. In this study, in order to develop a preoperative diagnostic approach, cases of pediatric patients at different ages were analyzed and their common properties are discussed herein.

METHODS: In the present study, the findings in pediatric patients (ages 0-15) with Amyand's hernia reported in the literature together with findings in four cases operated in our center were retrospectively assessed with respect to their demographic, preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative characteristics. These 19 cases in total were divided into two groups as age 0-1 and over age 1, and their characteristics were compared.

RESULTS: The two groups revealed different characteristics. However, in children over age 1, in the presence of appendicitis in the hernia sac, criteria like the frequency and order of symptoms, leukocytosis and bowel sounds showed similarity with abdominal appendicitis (acute appendicitis).

CONCLUSION: In children over age 1 with Amyand's hernia who are admitted to the emergency clinic with suspected incarcerated and strangulated hernia, it is possible to diagnose Amyand's hernia after a detailed preoperative examination.