[Unilateral inguinal hernia in infants: costs, risks and benefits of herniography? Methodology].

AIM

To assess the validity and the interest to health of systematic herniography in cases of unilateral inguinal hernia in children under two years of age.

METHOD

Decision theory was used to assess the effect of herniography on individual health by estimating gonadic benefit and establishing a benefit-risk ratio, and on collective health by the use of cost-effectiveness analysis.

RESULTS

a decision tree and algorithms were developed.

DISCUSSION

Decision analysis is used in complex medical decision making, clarifying choices and subdividing a problem into several more manageable sub-problems. The threshold approach pinpoints factors requiring more information.