Age distribution of inguinal hernia fusion in vitro

Abstract

The age distribution for presentation of 64 inguinal hernias in children had a biphasic distribution with cases initially occurring from birth to 4 months, then a lag and thereafter the incidence rose after 1 year of age. Males constituted 51/64 of the cases. A neuropeptide, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), that is present in the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) which innervates the processus vaginalis was found to induce fusion of the hernial sac tissue. In vitro organ cultures of human processus vaginalis were used to assay for hernial fusion and to study the morphological changes associated with this process. The processus vaginalis was folded so that the surfaces lining the sac were lyin..