Inguinal Hernia in Children: Symptoms, Occurrence & Treatment

An inguinal hernia is the most common hernia. It occurs in the abdomen near the groin area. It can occur at any age, but it’s more likely to happen during infancy and early childhood to 2%-3% of male babies and less than 1% of baby girls. About 1 in 4 males will have one at some time in their life. [Know - Hernia Causes & Symptoms in Children]

What Is Inguinal Hernia?

Its an occurrence in boys is related to the development and descent of the testes. The testes develop within the abdomen and around the seventh month of pregnancy, they descend into the scrotum. On their way through the abdominal wall, they pass through the inguinal canal. After they reach the scrotum, the opening behind should close. Failure to close adequately results in a hernia with an opening remaining in the abdominal wall at this point.

Inguinal Hernia Occurrence in the following ones 

1. New-born
2. Pre-mature baby
3. A baby who has a family history of hernia

Inguinal Hernia Signs & Symptoms

Following are the symptoms of inguinal hernia in newborn, pre-mature babies & child with family history. Read more  

1. The bulge in the groin
2. Swelling usually visible when the baby cries
3. If hernia can be pushed back to the belly, the loop of intestine may be stuck in the abdominal muscle which can cause
4. Vomiting
5. Full round belly
6. Fever
7. Redness
8. Pain in the area of a hernia
9. Fussiness

Inguinal Hernia Treatment

Treatment depends on your child’s age, health, symptoms, and the condition. Your baby will need surgery for inguinal hernia. The surgery will happen soon after the hernia is diagnosed. It’s important to get the surgery sooner because the intestine can be stuck in the inguinal canal which would cut the blood supply to the intestine and damage it. 

During surgery, your child will be given anesthesia to make him/her fall asleep. The surgeon makes a small cut where the hernia is present and puts the loop of intestine back in the abdominal area. And then fixes a muscle by stitching the muscles together. [Also Read: What is Umbilical Hernia: Causes, Signs & Remedies]

Inguinal Hernia Complications

1. Permanent damage to the intestine because of not enough blood flow
2. Intestine being stuck in the abdominal muscle

Long Term Outlook

After surgery, the risk of hernia to occur again is very unlikely. However, the risk is more in pre-mature baby and a child with connective tissue disorder and chronic renal failure.

Parentune Advice: If you ever notice the above-mentioned signs and symptoms talk to your doctor and take proper medical help for your baby’s safety.