Bladder Injury during Hernia Repair Surgery in Pediatrics: A Review of Literature

Introduction: Bladder injuries can occur due to several etiologies, such as traumatic injuries, abdominal surgeries, or even idiopathic. One of the most common causes of bladder injuries in paediatrics after traumatic events is abdominal surgeries, especially hernia repair surgery. Methods: Several types of iatrogenic bladder injuries due to hernia repair surgery were reported again to suggest that surgeons pay more attention to the specific anatomy of the bladder in kids during supra-pubic and abdominal surgeries, especially the hernia repair surgery. Results: Our analysis showed that most cases were not diagnosed before 24 hours post-operation (61%). Bladder injury has specific symptoms so it can be misdiagnosed. Nine reports claimed that the surgeons found out about the bladder injury right after the injury happened during the surgery. All intraoperative diagnosed cases had their bladder repaired during the inguinal hernia surgery. Most cases were boys (21), 2 were girls, and eight did not mention gender. Most kids (55%) experienced severe or at least moderate to severe symptoms of bladder injury. Three kids passed septic shock as a severe adverse effect of bladder injury. Conclusion: Several types of iatrogenic bladder injuries due to hernia repair surgery were reported again to suggest that surgeons pay more attention to the specific anatomy of the bladder in kids during supra-pubic and abdominal surgeries, especially the hernia repair surgery.