Irish journal of medical science
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Contralateral groin exploration in children with unilateral inguinal hernia is still controversial, particularly in infants. The patency rate of processus vaginalis is highest in infants but there are few data on the subsequent risk of contralateral hernia development in infants. In this retrospective study, we aimed to find out the incidence of contralateral inguinal hernia following unilateral inguinal herniotomy in infants aged less than one year. ⋯ The low incidence and benign nature of contralateral hernia development in infants undergoing a unilateral inguinal herniotomy does not justify routine contralateral groin exploration.