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The necessity of routine histologic examination of hernia sac, revisited

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Abstract

Purpose

To validate the need of continuing the current practice of histologic examination of hernia sacs (HS).

Methods

All HS received by our laboratory over 15 years were reviewed for any pathological findings. Cases harboring these results were selectively re-examined histologically by a pathologist and their charts were reviewed by a surgeon checking for clinical significance. Moreover, previous studies were analyzed to reach a final conclusion.

Results

Pathological findings were noted in only 13.7 and 12.8 % of adults and kids HS, respectively. None of these had significant impact on patient care.

Conclusions

Serious pathologies reported in HS in the literature are rare. This, coupled with our data, suggest that the current practice of routine microscopic examination of HS is not justified. Criteria are proposed for categorizing cases as eligible for histologic evaluation. This will significantly reduce the workload and contain the cost.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Professor Mohammed Elshawarby for his critical review.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the University of Dammam research ethics board (IRB-2014-01-299).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anatomic Pathology, University of Dammam, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    A. M. Al Nemer

  2. Surgery Department, University of Dammam, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    H. Al-Buainain

Authors
  1. A. M. Al Nemer
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  2. H. Al-Buainain
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Correspondence to A. M. Al Nemer.

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Al Nemer, A.M., Al-Buainain, H. The necessity of routine histologic examination of hernia sac, revisited. Hernia 19, 915–918 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-014-1338-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-014-1338-1

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