Diagnostic pneumoperitoneum in the pediatric patient with a unilateral inguinal hernia.

Controversy continues among surgeons over the management of pediatric patients with unilateral groin hernias. Currently, advocated treatment modalities include repair of only the clinically apparent side, exploration of the contralateral side when the ipsilateral hernia is repaired, or performance of contrast herniography before surgery. Another technique for consideration--diagnostic intraoperative pneumoperitoneum--is a simple, quick, safe, and highly accurate means of detecting a clinically inapparent contralateral inguinal hernia during the initial surgery. This technique, the results of its use, and a review of the literature are included.