Pediatric Inguinal Hernia in Low-Resource Settings: From Pathophysiology to Community-Based Solutions for Timely Intervention

Pediatric inguinal hernia (PIH) affects 1–5% of full-term and up to 30% of preterm infants. In high-resource settings, elective repair is a safe outpatient procedure. However, in low-resource regions like central Iraq, children often present with life-threatening complications due to delayed care. This review analyzes the embryological basis, clinical presentation, and systemic barriers—such as low caregiver health literacy, fragmented referral systems, and primary care diagnostic gaps—that contribute to emergency presentations. We propose context-specific, low-cost interventions: caregiver education through community networks, simplified clinical decision aids for primary care providers, and a weekly “hernia fast-track” clinic at referral hospitals. These strategies align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 by promoting timely surgical access and reducing preventable morbidity. Emphasis is placed on human-centered, scalable solutions that leverage existing infrastructure rather than high-tech inputs.