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A hernia is a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall from where tissues or an organ (especially the intestine) push through and may cause a bulge or lump (hernia sac) under the skin. Hernias can occur in both adults and children but are fairly more common among children.
Hernias may be present at birth; however, they may not be noticeable for several weeks or months after birth. Visit a top hospital for hernia treatment in Whitefield, Bangalore if your child is experiencing any symptoms discussed in this blog.
Types of Hernia in Children
The most common types of hernias children can get are Inguinal and Umbilical hernias.
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Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias occur in the groin area and are the most common type of hernia in children and males.
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Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias happen around the belly button.
Other types of hernias include Epigastric hernias (which occur in the abdominal muscles between the chest and belly button).
Which Children Are at Risk for a Hernia?
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Premature babies.
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Family history of congenital hernia.
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Cystic fibrosis.
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Having developmental dysplasia of the hip.
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Being a boy with undescended testes.
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Having problems with urinary or reproductive organs.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia?
Most hernias in children may go unnoticed during birth. The most common symptom of a hernia is a smooth lump or swelling in the groin area or belly button. These are visible and can get bigger when the child is crying, coughing, or straining for a bowel movement (defecation of stool) and disappears on lying down.
In some cases, the hernia doesn't slide back into the belly. Then the loop of the intestine may become stuck and lead to complications like obstruction or incarceration of the hernia. The symptoms may include:
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A full, round belly.
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Belly pain and soreness.
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Vomiting
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Redness or discolouration near the hernia.
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Fever
If the stuck intestine is not treated, blood supply may be blocked to part of the intestine. This is a medical emergency
When to Seek Medical Advice?
Although most hernias are not life-threatening, they can cause pain and discomfort and require surgery. Thus, parents should seek medical attention for their child if they suspect their child has a hernia, as prompt treatment can help prevent complications.
In case of a complicated hernia, medical advice should be sought at the earliest without any delay.
"NEVER ignore signs of pain or distress or any bulge in an infant or child. Call your doctor as soon as possible for a professional opinion or go to the emergency room"
What is the Treatment?
In most cases, umbilical hernia gets resolved without treatment as the child reaches 1-2 years of age. However, the hernia should be monitored closely by the doctor and if it gets bigger over time and doesn’t disappear, the doctor may then suggest surgical intervention.
In cases of inguinal hernia, Surgical repair (herniotomy) is recommended. It may be done in two ways:
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Open Repair
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the location of the hernia and pushes the loop of the intestine back to the abdomen while emptying the hernia sac.
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Laparoscopic Repair
Small cuts are made on the belly allowing the scope and instruments to be inserted to see and repair the hernia.
The surgery is done under general anaesthesia.
You can book an appointment with a pediatric surgeon in Whitefield at Manipal Hospitals for surgical hernia repair.
FAQs
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How to diagnose hernia in children?
To diagnose a hernia in a child, a doctor performs a physical examination while asking about the child's medical history. An imaging test (ultrasound) may also be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the size and location of the hernia.
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Can you heal a hernia without surgery?
All hernias, except for umbilical hernia till one year of age, require surgical repair. The main aim of early surgery is to prevent the occurrence of complications like obstruction, incarceration or strangulation.
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