INGUINAL HERNIA IN THE CHILD

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HEALTH AND COMFORT IN THE CHILD

It usually manifests as a bulge in the groin, which can extend to the scrotum or the area of the large lips. In the child, confirmation of this diagnosis implies guidance for surgical correction.

A "ball" in the groin that appears and disappears? 

​It may become more visible when the child cries, coughs or strains.

Even if it disappears, the hernia remains present.

A channel that did not close

Before birth, there is a small channel between the abdomen and the groin. Usually, this channel closes.

01 ABDOMEN

intestine or, sometimes, ovary

02 OPEN CHANNEL

the passage did not close

03 GROIN

swelling appears

When the channel remains open, part of the abdominal contents can pass through it and form a bulge in the groin — and, sometimes, in the scrotum or large lip.

​IMPORTANT

Crying, coughing or straining does not cause the hernia. It only increases the pressure in the abdomen and can make it more visible.

It is thus that it usually appears

The appearance may change throughout the day.

01

A soft bulge

In the groin, often only on one side.

02

May descend

To the scrotum or large lip.

03

Appears or increases

With crying, coughing, running or effort.

04

Decreases or disappears

When the child relaxes or lies down.

IF IT DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE CONSULTATION

A photograph taken when the bulge is visible can help in the evaluation.

HERNIA OR HYDROCELE?

In the hernia, intestine or, in girls, an ovary may enter. In hydrocele, there is fluid. Medical observation allows them to be distinguished.

A confirmed hernia does not close on its own

Even when it does not hurt and disappears easily, the contents can get stuck in the canal.

01 OPEN CHANNEL

the hernia persists

02 SURGERY

scheduled correction

03 CLOSED CHANNEL

reduces the risk of getting stuck

WHAT THE TREATMENT SEEKS TO RESOLVE

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, surgical correction is indicated. The timing depends on age, prematurity, symptoms and previous episodes.

What to expect from surgery

Under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in the groin fold.

01

Replace, if necessary

If there is content in the bag, it returns to the abdomen.

02

Isolate

The hernia bag is carefully separated.

03

Close

The open passage is closed.

30–60
minutes
unilateral surgery
not complicated

Same day
usual discharge
2–7 days
return to school
≈ 2 weeks
without physical education, bicycle, swimming or sports

Approximate times: follow the team's guidance. The total time in the clinic is longer than the surgery. Small or premature babies may need to stay overnight.

When not to wait

Go to an emergency service if the swelling

  • ●
    Stays hard painful or very sensitive
  • ●
    Fails to subside when the child relaxes or lies down
  • ●
    Turns red purple or darkened

ESPECIALLY IF THERE ARE
vomiting · bloated or painful abdomen · refusal to eat · inconsolable crying · child very lethargic or abnormally sleepy

Do not try to push the swelling with force

AFTER SURGERY

Contact the team if there is fever increasing redness pus or abnormal discharge progressive swelling persistent vomiting or increasing pain

what is evaluated in the treatment

01.

pathological conditions:

If the patient has difficulty or other clinical conditions that may justify surgery.

02.

Hygiene and comfort:

The doctor will assess the level of comfort of the patient, taking into account their hygiene and potential complications caused by the presence of the hernia.

03.

Aesthetic reasons:

The doctor will discuss the expectations and benefits of the procedure.

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