The abdominal wall is made of fat and muscle and holds the organs in place. Inguinal hernias develop when organs or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in your child’s abdominal wall.
It occurs at any age but are most common in new-borns and cause a painless bulge or lump in the groin (hip area between the stomach and thigh)
Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia in Children
Your doctor will try to reduce the hernia manually by applying steady pressure until the hernia disappears. The following signs show that your baby may have developed an obstructed hernia where the blood supply to the trapped tissue gets cut off:
- Swelling or bulge that increases when the child cries, coughs, etc.
- Fever
- Pain
- Vomiting
- Refusal to feed
- Irritability
Consult your doctor immediately, as your child may require an emergency surgical procedure.
What Causes a Hernia in a Child?
Your child may be born with a weakness in the abdominal wall or a persistent passage which can cause an inguinal hernia.
The risk factors that contribute to hernia in children are:
- Premature baby
- Low birth weight
- Constipation
- Problems with the urethra (duct carrying urine)
- Excessive straining
What Happens If Inguinal Hernia Is Not Untreated?
Complications of an inguinal hernia include:
- A part of the intestine becomes stuck in the belly muscles
- Permanent damage to the intestine because of not enough blood flow
Avoid further delay! Consult your pediatrician today for appropriate treatment for your child.
How Is an Inguinal Hernia Diagnosed?
Your child’s healthcare provider will examine the abdomen and groin for bumps.
Tests include:
- Blood or urine tests- To check kidney function or find signs of infection
- X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI – To locate the organs contained within the hernia
Your doctor will check to push the hernia back into the abdomen (reducible).
How Is Your Child Treated for Hernia?
Enlarging or painful hernias require surgery to reduce complications.
How can You Prepare your Child for Surgery?
Your child should try to maintain a healthy weight. They will have a higher risk of developing complications if they are overweight.
What Happens During Surgery for Hernia?
- General anesthesia relaxes your child’s muscles and puts them to sleep
- With a small incision, your doctor will push the hernia back into the abdominal area
- Surgery is needed immediately if your child’s hernia stops blood flow to the intestines
What to Expect After the surgery for Inguinal Hernia in Children?
- You can take your child home a few hours after surgery
- Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your child’s incision and recovery
Post-Surgical Care at Home for Inguinal Hernia
- Most children can eat a regular diet right after surgery
- Recovery time depends on the child. Most can go back to normal, non-strenuous activities in about 1-2 weeks
- Do not bath your child for 2-3 days post-surgery
Do Hernias in Children Resolve on Their Own?
Inguinal hernia, if left untreated, can grow and lead to life-threatening complications.
The hernia can cause further problems if the trapped organ loses blood supply. Due to the lack of oxygen, the organ begins to die.
Key Points About an Inguinal Hernia in Children
- Inguinal hernias are most common in children under six years of age
- Babies born early or who have a family history of hernia are at more risk
- Inguinal hernias show up as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum. Sometimes they can be pushed back into the belly
- Your child needs surgery to treat an inguinal hernia
Are There Any Alternatives to Surgery for Inguinal Hernia?
Without surgery, the hernia will not get better.
Consult your Doctor Immediately If:
- Your child’s abdomen becomes larger, rounder, or more full than normal
- Your child’s hernia gets bigger, is firm, or is blue or purple
- Your child stops having bowel movements and stops passing gas
- Your child has blood in their bowel movement
- Your child is crying more than normal
