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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003662:Decision Theory; D003663:Decision Trees; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography
Hernie inguinale unilatérale de l'enfant de moins de deux ans: coût, risques et bénéfices de la herniographie? Méthodologie.