Inguinal Hernia in Kids - Kids Surgery in Dubai at DRHC

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ (usually the small bowel or fatty material) through a weakness or opening in the muscle wall of the tummy.

A pediatric hernia is a visible bulge or swelling in the groin. Especially when a child is crying, coughing, or straining. This can occur at any age, but incidence increases during infancy and early childhood, and it mostly occurs in 80-90% of boys.

Unfortunately, no conservative management can treat a hernia. Surgical repair is needed when diagnosed.

Risk factors:

• Premature born baby
• Low birth weight
• Family history
• And other pre-existing problems like undescended testes.

A simple hernia, or Reducible hernia, is a painless bulge in which bowels and tissue can move in and out freely in the defect.

Incarcerated or Irreducible hernia – usually comes with pain due to the bowels being trapped and does not return into the abdomen, which can risk the blood supply to the bowel.

Symptoms of incarcerated hernia:

• The child appears ill
• Pain in the groin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling does not change when crying
• And, swelling appears red or dusky and noticeably tender.

Surgical management can be done as a day-case surgery and with fewer complications if done by an experienced Surgeon.

When should you call your doctor after surgery?

Generally, contact the surgeon or visit the hospital if:

• A child develops a fever at or above 38.5ºC
• The wound appears red, swollen, or leaking fluid.