Inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is a common surgical procedure among neonates and infants; the time of surgery is one of the major factors affecting its outcomes. Our systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of surgical timing on outcomes in inguinal hernia repairs in the newborn and infant population to establish evidence-based guidelines for optimal surgical timing. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating neonates and infants undergoing IHR with outcomes of recurrence, complications, and postoperative recovery were included. Data were collaboratively extracted, including patient demographics, surgical approaches, perioperative complications, and long-term outcomes. Early repair (0–28 days of life) decreased the risk of hernia incarceration but also increased the risk of preoperative complications. Delayed repair (29 days to 1 year of life) showed fewer preoperative complications but increased the risk of incarceration. The outcomes were affected by variables including patient maturity and comorbidities, along with hernia severity. Neonates with a high risk for incarceration are best treated with early repair, while stable infants can be managed safely with delayed repair. More randomized trials are needed to develop standardized guidelines that balance the associated risks of neonatal versus infant repair strategies to maximize benefits.

Background: Telemedicine facilitates remote consultations and expands access to healthcare, marking a transformative shift in the medical field. Given the critical role of surgeons in the healthcare system, the adoption of telemedicine in surgical practice offers both distinct benefits and challenges. This research aims to assess the predictors of telemedicine attitudes and usage among surgeons in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 198 surgeons from public and private hospitals in Jeddah using convenience sampling technique. Data were collected in person using a pre-designed and validated questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out by IBM SPSS version 26. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to identify significant factors influencing surgeons’ attitudes and usage of telemedicine. Results: Among the participants, 54.5% reported having used telemedicine at least once in the past. Bivariate analysis revealed that surgeons in private hospitals (64.9%) were more likely to use telemedicine than those in public hospitals (40.4%; P = .001). Females were also associated with a higher usage (67.5%) in comparison to males (45.7%; P = .003). Frequent users were found to have less positive attitude compared to occasional users (35.4% vs 60.7%) ( P < .001). Key concerns shaping attitudes toward telemedicine included limited ability to perform physical examinations, with 32.8% strongly agreeing, and concerns about the reliability of teleconsultation technology, reported by 40.9% of participants. Binary logistic regression revealed that prior usage or exposure to telemedicine was the only significant predictor of positive attitudes, with an odds ratio of 5.688 (95% confidence interval: 1.593-20.313; P = .007). Conclusion: The inclusion of telemedicine in surgical practice in Jeddah, especially within private healthcare settings, appears promising. The most consistent and significant predictor of positive attitudes toward telemedicine was prior use, as surgeons with previous exposure were more likely to hold favorable views.