Intraoperative diagnostic pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients with unilateral inguinal hernias: the Goldstein test.

Over a four-year period 256 infants and children presenting with unilateral inguinal hernias underwent intraoperative diagnostic pneumoperitoneum to evaluate the contralateral groin. Sixty one patients had positive results and underwent contralateral hernia repair. Of the 195 negative tests 3 presented later with either a hernia, communicating hydrocele or cord hydrocele (false negative rate of 1.5%). This test represents a safe, economical, rapid, and accurate means to evaluate the contralateral groin in the pediatric patient presenting with a unilateral inguinal hernia.