General Information About Inguinal Hernia in Children
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It occurs when the peritoneal sac remains open downward through the inguinal canal, and the intestines or, in girls, the ovaries enter this sac, creating a swelling in the groin.
In adults, a hernia occurs due to the weakening or tearing (straining) of the muscle wall. In children, it is entirely due to a canal from fetal development that congenitally failed to close.
Soft swellings the size of a hazelnut or walnut that appear in the child's groin area or scrotum when crying, coughing, or straining, and disappear when they calm down.
It means the intestine inside the hernia sac gets trapped in the canal and does not return to the abdomen. The swelling becomes hard, red, very painful, and vomiting begins. Emergency surgery is mandatory to prevent necrosis (death) of the intestinal tissue.
Most of the time, the diagnosis is made through a detailed physical examination by a pediatric surgeon. In necessary situations (especially in distinguishing between a hernia and a hydrocele), ultrasonography is used.
Inguinal hernias in children never heal or close on their own. The moment a hernia is detected, due to the risk of strangulation, the canal is tied and closed with a short surgical operation as soon as possible (usually within the same day or week).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
