Inguinal hernia in children is a common pediatric disease, mainly caused by the unclosed sheath process, which leads to the protrusion of organs in the abdominal cavity through this channel, forming a protrusion. This article aims to explain the etiology, symptoms, treatment methods, and the necessity of surgical treatment for inguinal hernia.
1、 Causes and Symptoms: Inguinal hernia usually occurs during infancy and early childhood in both boys and girls. It is usually caused by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, leading to the protrusion of abdominal organs from weak points (unclosed sheath like processes) in the inguinal region. Symptoms typically include one or more palpable lumps or swelling, especially in the groin area of infants or young children.
2、 Non surgical treatment
For children with inguinal hernia who are under 6 months old or have serious underlying diseases that are not suitable for surgery, non-surgical treatment methods can be used, such as using special straps or tension bands to protect the inguinal area. This treatment method may require long-term treatment and monitoring, as the use of straps or bandages may cause muscle atrophy or discomfort to the pressure in the groin area, leading to worsening or recurrence of hernias. This method cannot fundamentally solve the problem, it is only a temporary solution and is not recommended for routine use.
3、 Surgical treatment is one of the most effective methods for treating pediatric inguinal hernia. The purpose of surgical treatment is to cure hernia by repairing the hernia hole and strengthening the muscle and fascial structure of the abdominal wall. At present, there are two main methods for surgical treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia: traditional open surgery and modern laparoscopic surgery.
（1） Traditional open surgery
Traditional open surgery is a routine surgical method that typically requires general anesthesia. The surgical incision is usually in the groin area, and the surgery time is relatively short, taking about 20-30 minutes. During the surgery, the doctor will push the hernia bag back into the abdominal cavity, then suture the hernia hole and strengthen the abdominal muscles and fascia. After surgery, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for observation for one to two days, and the recovery period is generally one to two weeks.
（2） Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical method that does not require general anesthesia. Surgical incisions are usually made in the abdomen, requiring small incisions, with each incision typically measuring only 0.5-1 centimeters in size. The surgery takes a long time, approximately 10-20 minutes. During the surgery, the doctor will use a laparoscopic probe to observe the inside of the abdominal cavity, and then repair the hernia hole and strengthen the abdominal muscles and fascia. After surgery, it is not necessary to stay for a long time, and the recovery period is relatively short, usually about one week.
（3） Precautions
Regardless of the surgical method used, the following points should be noted for surgical treatment:
1. Before surgery, a comprehensive examination of the child is required to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the surgery;
2. The surgery needs to be performed by an experienced pediatric surgeon;
3. After surgery, it is necessary to closely monitor the child's condition to avoid the occurrence of complications;
After surgery, it is necessary to follow the doctor's advice and do a good job in rehabilitation nursing.
5、 The necessity of surgical treatment
For the treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia, the necessity of surgical treatment for children within 6 months depends on the degree and frequency of the hernia, as well as the effectiveness of the straps or bandages. If hernias are very severe or occur frequently, and the effectiveness of straps or bandages is poor, surgical treatment is necessary. Children over 6 months old who experience recurrent hernias should undergo surgery as soon as possible. Surgical treatment can not only eradicate hernias, but also prevent dangerous situations in the intestines, thereby avoiding the occurrence of serious complications.
In summary, pediatric inguinal hernia is a common pediatric disease, and treatment methods include non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. Surgical treatment is necessary for severe or frequent inguinal hernia. Although surgical treatment carries risks and complications, with the evaluation and preparation of doctors, it can achieve good therapeutic effects. When treating pediatric inguinal hernia, parents should closely monitor the child's condition and treatment progress, and follow the doctor's treatment recommendations to ensure that the child receives the best treatment results.