Hernia in children is a common pediatric disease, which refers to the phenomenon of swelling or protrusion in the inguinal area. Do you know why babies have inguinal protrusion? How should it be treated?
Let's learn about the causes of pediatric hernias and the necessity of surgical treatment together.
1、 Why do babies have inguinal protrusion?
The groin is the junction of the abdomen and thighs, and this area is an important physiological structure because it contains many important tissues and organs, such as lymph nodes, blood vessels, and muscles. The abdominal muscles of a baby will gradually develop after birth. However, during development, abdominal wall muscles may not fully develop, causing organs and tissues in the abdominal cavity to protrude through weak areas in the inguinal region, forming inguinal hernias. At the same time, when babies cry, cough, or forcefully defecate, the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases, which can also cause tissue protrusion in the groin area.
2、 What are the hazards of pediatric hernia?
（1） Pain
Hernia may cause swelling and pain in the child's groin area, causing discomfort and pain to the child. This swelling and pain may affect a child's normal activities and physical abilities, and even affect their learning and social skills.
（2） Intestinal obstruction
Hernia, if not treated in a timely manner, may lead to serious complications. For example, hernias can cause compression and twisting of the intestines, leading to intestinal obstruction, which is a very dangerous situation. Intestinal obstruction can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and reduced bowel sounds. If not treated in a timely manner, it may also lead to intestinal necrosis and perforation, endangering the child's life.
（3） Threatening the life of the child
Although most pediatric hernias are painless, if not treated in a timely manner, they may lead to serious complications. The most common complication is hernia entrapment, which means that the protruding part of the hernia is compressed and cannot return to the abdominal cavity. This can lead to interruption of blood supply, causing tissue necrosis, and in severe cases, may endanger the life of the child. Meanwhile, if the protruding part of the hernia is pinched or subjected to external impact, it may also cause the hernia to rupture. In this case, the organs inside the hernia may be damaged, leading to internal bleeding and infection. These complications may also pose a threat to the lives of the affected children.
3、 Treatment methods for pediatric hernias
(1) Conservative treatment
For some mild pediatric hernias, especially those under 1 year old, hernias may self heal as the child's body grows and develops. Therefore, doctors often recommend regular check ups for hernias in children and observe whether there are signs of hernia complications. If necessary, it is recommended that children wear hernia bands.
（2） Surgical treatment
After suffering from pediatric hernia, due to various factors, problems such as hernia enlargement and entrapment are prone to occur. Therefore, surgical treatment is the most effective method for curing pediatric hernia. Surgery is performed to reposition the organs back into the abdominal cavity and repair any defects in the abdominal wall to prevent the organs from dislodging again. With the development of minimally invasive technology, it is now generally recommended to treat inguinal hernia sac ligation through laparoscopic surgery in children.
Hernia in children is a common disease, and understanding the causes can help prevent its occurrence. Don't panic even if you have a hernia in a child. You can use appropriate treatment methods under the advice of a doctor.