Is there a small balloon in the baby's belly? How much do you know about hernia in children?

What is a hernia in children?

The most common type of hernia in children is inguinal oblique hernia, which usually occurs a few days, months or years after birth. Usually after a child cries, plays or poops, a small "balloon" will swell up in the groin, and sometimes it will go to the "little brother" or "little sister".

This "balloon" is the inguinal oblique hernia in children. Some of them will disappear on their own after the baby rests or calms down, but it may also cause discomfort to the baby, with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, crying and restlessness, etc.

Image source: Pixabay

What is the cause of inguinal hernia in children?

How does this little "balloon" come about? The fundamental cause of inguinal hernia in children is that the processus vaginalis does not close in time. The processus vaginalis is formed by the descent of the testicles or the round ligament of the uterus, and most babies close within one year after birth.

Newborns and infants under six months old are prone to pediatric hernias if their processus vaginalis is not completely closed. Not all cases of processus vaginalis not closing will lead to hernias. However, if the baby's abdominal wall is not strong enough, such as premature babies, low-birth-weight babies, or excessive crying, constipation, coughing, etc., which increase the intra-abdominal pressure, hernias will form.

The right testicle of boys usually descends later than the left, and the processus vaginalis takes longer to close. Therefore, right inguinal hernia is more common in boys than left inguinal hernia, and unilateral inguinal hernia is more common than bilateral inguinal hernia.

What are the symptoms of inguinal hernia in children?

A lump in the groin area appears and disappears, or changes size. The lump appears or gets bigger when the child stands up or cries, which increases the intra-abdominal pressure. However, in the early stage, after lying down or stopping crying, the lump usually disappears on its own or by pressing with the hand.

As age increases, the hernia sac will continue to grow and may become incarcerated and strangulated, and may even cause testicular or ovarian infarction and atrophy, so timely treatment is necessary.

If a child's testicles are larger on one side than on the other, it is likely due to a hernia.

How is groin pain treated in children?

Babies over 1 year old need surgery if their hernia does not heal on its own. Laparoscopic high ligation of the internal ring is the main treatment for pediatric inguinal hernia and can be completed in about 10 minutes. Laparoscopy can see the internal structure more clearly, with fewer complications and faster recovery after surgery. The baby can get out of bed and move around on the day of the operation with little pain.

The best part is that this minimally invasive surgery is called "walking without leaving any scars" and leaves almost no scars on the abdomen. Whether you dance belly dance or wear a bikini in the future, it will not be affected at all. It can be said to be the highest level of hernia surgery!

If your baby has hernia, parents don't need to worry too much. See a doctor in time and use scientific methods to solve the problem and help your baby grow up healthily! Speaking of this, Dr. Zhao couldn't help but want to write a poem:

It's summer vacation again.

Children gather together to treat hernia.

Early treatment only requires high-position puncture.

Late medical development becomes a problem.

Laparoscopic surgery has many advantages.

Minimally invasive, seamless and quick recovery.

Today I am going to be the head of the baby.

Specialized in treating various minor hernias.

Source: Chenjiaqiao Hospital, Shapingba District, Chongqing

Review expert: Zhao Chuan, deputy chief physician of general surgery, Chenjiaqiao Hospital, Shapingba District

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