Minimal Recurrence and Chronic Pain After Adolescent Groin Hernia Surgery

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated recurrence and chronic pain rates following groin hernia repair in adolescents aged 10–17 years. Findings indicate low recurrence rates and minimal chronic postoperative pain regardless of mesh or non-mesh repair techniques.

Background

Groin hernia repair is common in both pediatric and adult populations, but optimal surgical management in adolescents remains uncertain due to their transitional growth status. Mesh use is standard in adults to reduce recurrence but raises concerns in children about foreign body implantation in growing tissues. Surgical approaches vary widely, influenced by surgeon preference and patient age, with chronic pain and recurrence as key postoperative concerns.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Adolescents aged 10–17 years show minimal hernia recurrence after groin hernia repair.
• Chronic postoperative pain at 6 months or more is rare following both mesh and non-mesh repairs.
• Both open and laparoscopic surgical approaches were included, with no clear superiority in outcomes reported.
• Mesh use in adolescents does not appear to increase chronic pain risk significantly, contrasting with some adult data.
• Surgeon preference and patient growth status currently guide the choice of repair technique due to limited adolescent-specific evidence.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons can consider both mesh and non-mesh repair techniques for adolescent groin hernias with confidence in low recurrence and chronic pain rates. Individualized surgical planning should account for patient growth and surgeon expertise, as evidence does not strongly favor one approach over another in this age group.

Conclusion

Groin hernia repair in adolescents is associated with minimal recurrence and chronic pain, supporting flexible surgical approaches tailored to patient and surgeon preferences. Further high-quality studies are needed to refine optimal management strategies in this transitional population.

References

1. Systematic Review Protocol CRD42022130554
2. PRISMA Guidelines 2020 -- Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses