How are inguinal hernias treated in children?

Inguinal hernias can be seen as a bump in the groin area – sometimes only when the baby is crying or straining. They often occur on both sides of the body. In most cases they don’t cause any bothersome symptoms, but can sometimes lead to a sharp, pulling pain.

If the hernia sac gets bigger, it can cause swelling in the boy’s scrotum or in the “lips” on the outside of the girl’s genitals (her labia). Doctors can usually feel the hernia from outside the body. They can do an ultrasound scan too.

Abdominal tissue or a part of the bowel might get pinched in the opening of the hernia. This is known as a strangulated hernia. It usually leads to sudden pain. The child is then very restless and cries a lot. He or she might drink less and vomit. If the pinched area becomes inflamed, the child may develop a fever. The hernia sac might become red.

If a child has an inguinal hernia, it is always treated with surgery to prevent the tissue from becoming pinched. The need for surgery will be more urgent in some children than in others, depending on their age and how severe the hernia is. The hernia is usually operated on in the first few weeks or months after it is diagnosed. Doctors consider the risks associated with the surgery here: There are more risks if the baby is very young or was born too early (preterm).

The child is usually given a general anesthetic during the surgery. The surgeon typically only makes a very small cut in the skin. Keyhole surgery (also known as minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery) is also an option. The opening of the hernia is usually closed off by sewing it with stitches. A mesh isn’t used. Sometimes the surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure, and then the child can go home on the same day.