Ten point three percent of infants of birthweight less than 2000 g developed an inguinal hernia within one to three years of birth. This figure rose to 18.9% in those who were under 1500 g at birth. The high requirement for surgical repair and the rising survival figures for very low birthweight infants stresses the increasing numbers at risk from postoperative apnoea and bradycardia. The need for respiratory and cardiac monitoring following anaesthesia in low birthweight infants is emphasised.